Getting Around Singapore – Taxis vs. Public Transport

Getting from one place to another in the bustling city of Singapore can be challenging. With various public transport options as well as taxis available, deciding which mode of transport suits your needs best is important. This article compares taking a taxi or using public transport when travelling within Singapore.

Taxis in Singapore

One of the most convenient ways to get around is by taking a taxi. Singapore has numerous taxi operators, but the largest and most popular is Maxi Cab Singapore. Booking a Maxicab Singapore ride is fast and easy – you can schedule one within seconds over the phone, or via their website or apps.

Taxis are available 24/7 across Singapore and can take you directly to your destination without having to walk or transfer. This makes them ideal for travelling at night or with heavy luggage. Fares are relatively affordable too – the base fare starts from just a few dollars. Most taxis accept cash as well as e-payments like Visa or Mastercard for convenience.

The downside is that taxis are more expensive than public transport for longer journeys within Singapore. Traffic jams during peak hours can also greatly increase your taxi fare. Surge pricing is applied on rainy days and public holidays.

Public Transport

Singapore has an extensive and efficient public transport system comprising the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway, Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines, and buses. The network covers most parts of the country.

Travelling by public transport works out much cheaper than taking taxis, especially for longer distances. Fares are low and capped at a maximum of SGD $2-3 per trip. Trains and buses run frequently even late into the night, so you don’t need to wait long between services.

With an adult transportation card called EZ-Link or Nets FlashPay, you can easily transfer between different modes of public transport without needing to buy additional tickets. Electronic fare gates at MRT and LRT stations make commuting hassle-free.

However, public transport may not be as convenient as taxis when you have bulky items or need door-to-door service. You also have to walk or take a short bus/MRT ride from the station to your actual destination. During peak hours, trains can get packed with long waiting times on platforms.

When to take a taxi vs public transport

• Take a taxi for short point-to-point trips, travelling late at night or with bulky luggage that is difficult on public transport.
• Use public transport for regular commutes during non-peak hours as it works out much cheaper than taxis for longer distances.
• Opt for taxis if you have mobility issues or find navigating the public transport system challenging.
• Public transport is best for sightseeing around Singapore – you can quickly hop on and off trains and buses to visit multiple attractions in a single day.

Conclusion

Whether you take a taxi or public transport depends on factors like time, budget, luggage and accessibility needs. With advance planning and understanding both options, you can easily navigate Singapore’s transport network. Booking Maxi Cab Singapore for airport transfers or late night trips ensures hassle-free travelling. Public transport strikes the right balance of affordability and connectivity for most journeys within the city.