Singapore's mass rapid transit (MRT) system is among the best in Asia. Riding it is not very hard at all.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes
Here's How:
- Find an MRT station close to you. They are usually well marked and area residents can easily point you in the right direction.
- At the station, find a ticket vending machine. Single-trip tickets aresold at vending machines in the station; they valid only on day of purchase. Fares range from $0.70 to $1.60 (Singapore dollars).
- Look at the large map or chart displayed above the machine and find the name of your destination.
- The price indicated under the name of your destination is the fare to your destination.
- Insert coins or bills in the slots and press the button that indicates your fare.
- Make a mental note of how many stations you will pass through on your way to your desination. Station names are announced upon arrival; but most names are unfamiliar to visitors, so it helps to count.
- At the automatic gate, insert your ticket in the slot so the gate will open.
- Go through the gate and retrieve your ticket from the other side.
- Go to the platform and wait behind the line.
- If people are lining up in one line, go line up behind the last person. (Singaporeans are 'big' on lines).
- When a train arrives, wait until people get off the train, then get in and find a seat.
- Listen for your stop to be announced. (Remember: it helps to count the number of stops you've passed).
- Get off at your stop and insert your ticket in the automatic gate in order to leave the station.
Tips:
- If you're going to be in Singapore for a few days, a transitlink stored-value ticket may save you some time. Such tickets range in value form $12 to $50 and can be used on the MRT and the city's bus system.
- The government of Singapore can become very unhappy with anyone who manages to somehow impede the MRT system by jamming it's doors open, etc.