NakedSingapore.com

Tempted to visit Singapore? Hesitate no more, it's a beautiful country, and we're here to share what intimate information we know about Singapore to help you plan that perfect trip.

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Tourist Guide to Singapore

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Singapore Public Transport Guide - Bus

Singapore public buses are operated by the Singapore Bus Service (SBS). The public buses run daily from 5.30 am to midnight. These are full-day scheduled bus services with prominent fixed boarding/alighting point known as bus-stops. The start and end point for every service is at the bus interchange, which is typically at a high-traffic area such as the centre of a housing estate.

Buses connect various corners of Singapore. SBS Transit, Singapore's largest bus company, has a useful bus route finder on their home page, but it does not show services run by competitor SMRT, which has its own search system.

You can pay cash (coins) in buses, but the fare stage system is quite complex (it's easiest to ask the driver for the price to your destination), you are charged marginally more and there is no provision for getting change. Payment with ez-link is thus the easiest method. The system works like this: tap your card against the reader at the front entrance of the bus when boarding, and a maximum fare is deducted from the card. When you alight, tap your card again at the exit, and the difference is refunded. Inspectors occasionally prowl buses to check that everybody has paid.

After midnight on Fri, Sat and before public holidays only, the NightRider services are a fairly convenient way of getting around, with seven lines running every 15 minutes. All services drive past the major nightlife districts of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Mohamed Sultan and Orchard before splintering off. Flat fare $3, EZ-link accepted. You can get a copy of the service guide showing details of the routes at all MRT stations along the East-West Line (green line) and North-South Line (red line). Alternatively, get a copy at Singapore Visitor's Centre. Or download a softcopy at: http://www.smrt.com.sg/buses/documents/nightrider_serviceguide.pdf

The Night Rider service, which cater to people returning late at night, provides extended night services which cost slightly more.

Paying Your Fare

Fares cost between S$0.58 and S$1.70. These public buses accept both Ez-Link card (which is a form of contactless smart card working on a stored value system) and coins to pay for the fare. Usually only locals use the Ez-Link card, as there is a deposit needed for the card.

Your fare is paid when you board the bus, and if you're unsure of your fare, you just have to ask the driver. Just tell the driver the location you want to go to, and he'll tell you how much you need to pay. Just drop your coins into the coinbox, and the driver will generate a ticket for you.

For more information about SBS, fare information and maps, please visit SBS's website.