Navigating Singapore's Buses: Finding Your Route

how to work out which bus I need forsingapore

Singapore has a highly efficient and user-friendly public transportation system, which includes the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek. The MRT is the quickest and most convenient way to get around the city, but the bus network is also extensive and covers most of the island. To ride the bus in Singapore, you'll need a payment card, such as the EZ-Link card, NETS FlashPay card, or the Singapore Tourist Pass for short-term visitors. These cards can be tapped on card readers when entering and exiting the bus, and fares are calculated based on distance travelled. With bus stops located every few hundred meters and real-time bus schedule information available at each stop and on apps like MyTransport.SG, getting around Singapore by bus is a breeze.

Characteristics Values
Bus network coverage Extensive, covers most of the island
Frequency 10-20 minutes
Bus stop identification Unique ID number
Route information Available at bus stop or via Google Maps, Citymapper, MyTransport.sg, RailRouter, SG Bus, SG Dr. Bus, SG BusLeh, Bus Uncle, and Explore Singapore apps
Payment methods EZ-Link Card, SimplyGo initiative (contactless debit/credit card), cash (exact change required)
Fares Calculated based on distance
Passes Singapore Tourist Pass (unlimited rides on public bus and MRT for 1-3 days)

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Payment methods

There are several ways to pay for bus rides in Singapore.

Contactless bank cards

You can use a credit or debit card with the Visa or Mastercard network to pay for bus rides in Singapore. Simply touch the card to the reader when you board the bus. This is the most popular way to pay for public transport in the country.

Mobile wallets

You can also use mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, Grab Pay, and Singtel Dash to pay for your bus fare.

Stored value cards

Stored value cards such as the EZ-Link Card and NETS FlashPay Card are available at all MRT stations and bus interchanges. You can top up these cards with cash or card at ticket machines, AXS stations, 7-Eleven stores, or through the EZ-Link Mobile app.

Concession cards

These cards offer lower fares and are available to children, students, adults, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, Workfare Income Supplement recipients, and full-time national servicemen.

Cash

You can also pay for bus rides in Singapore with cash. However, you will need to have the exact change, as no change will be provided. Cash fares are also more expensive than card payment fares.

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Locating bus stops

  • Look for designated spots: Bus stops in Singapore are typically designated spots with specific infrastructure, including bus bays, bus stop poles, shelters, safety bollards, information boards, and advertising boards. They are constructed by the authorities and used by both public and private bus operators.
  • Understand bus stop infrastructure: Bus bays are marked with a yellow rectangle on the road or a dedicated zone off the main road. Bus stop poles display the bus routes serving that stop, with route numbers printed on plastic plates for easy rearrangement. Bus shelters provide cover for commuters and usually have seats. Safety bollards are steel and concrete barriers that protect commuters in case of vehicle collisions.
  • Check for accessibility features: Singapore has introduced wheelchair-accessible bus travel, so some bus stops may have features like ramped access and level boarding to accommodate wheelchairs.
  • Use bus stop codes: Every bus stop in Singapore has a unique 5-digit bus stop code. You can use this code to look up the available bus and MRT/LRT services at that stop. The first digit of the code can also give you a rough idea of the stop's location. For example, codes starting with "0" are typically in Downtown Singapore, Orchard, or Chinatown, while codes starting with "9" are in areas like Mountbatten, East Coast, or Upper East Coast.
  • Consider direction of travel: Bus stops typically have a pair of stops across the road from each other, with one serving buses travelling in one direction and the other serving buses in the opposite direction. The last digit of the bus stop code indicates the direction: "1" for one direction and "9" for the other. In some congested areas, you may also see "2," "3," "7," and "8" as end digits for staggered bus stops.
  • Utilise maps and apps: You can use maps or transit apps to locate bus stops near you. The Land Transport Guru website, for example, provides detailed information on bus stops, including specific locations and features.
  • Look for nearby landmarks: Bus stops in Singapore are often named after nearby landmarks, such as MRT stations, shopping malls, or prominent buildings. Knowing the name of the bus stop you're looking for can help you find it more easily.
  • Check for recent changes: Bus stop names and locations can change over time due to new MRT lines, road developments, or transport hub consolidations. Stay up to date with the latest information by checking the Land Transport Authority (LTA) website or other reliable sources.
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Boarding the bus

If you're planning to take a bus in Singapore, you can board at a bus stop or a bus interchange. All bus stops in Singapore provide route information, and some even have real-time arrival information. Bus interchanges have several berths, each designated for a maximum of three specific routes. If you know the bus number you need, you can simply queue at the correct berth.

When the bus arrives, wave your hand to signal to the driver that you want to board. Enter through the front door, and tap your payment card on one of the two card readers near the entrance. If you don't have a card, you can pay with cash, but you'll need the exact change.

Once you're on the bus, find a seat. If all the seats are occupied, you can stand, holding on to the provided straps. Remember to give up your seat if you're sitting in a priority seat and someone who needs it boards the bus. Some buses are double-deckers, so you can also head upstairs for a seat.

When you want to get off the bus, press the stop button. Move towards the centre exit to ensure a quick departure. When the bus stops, tap your card on one of the two card readers near the exit. If you paid with cash, you don't need to tap out, but make sure you collect a receipt from the machine behind the driver.

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Pressing the stop button

The stop button is typically located near the seating area and is easily accessible to passengers. It is usually marked with the word "stop" or depicted by an icon of a person getting off a bus. By pressing the button, you activate a signal that alerts the driver that a passenger intends to get off at the next stop. This allows the driver to plan accordingly and ensure a smooth and safe exit for all passengers.

It is recommended to press the stop button well in advance of reaching your desired stop. This gives the driver enough time to respond and bring the bus to a halt safely. Failing to press the button may result in the bus not stopping at your intended location. While you may verbally request the driver to stop, using the stop button ensures clear communication and avoids any confusion.

In some cases, there may be designated stops where the bus automatically stops, regardless of whether the stop button is pressed. However, it is still advisable to press the button as a precautionary measure. Additionally, if the bus is crowded and you cannot reach the stop button, inform the driver or another passenger about your intended stop to ensure the bus halts at the correct location.

It is worth noting that pressing the stop button multiple times may cause confusion for the driver and other passengers. It is best to press it only once to indicate your intention to disembark. Once the button is pressed, the driver will be alerted, and you can prepare to exit through the centre door of the bus when it comes to a stop.

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Alighting from the bus

When alighting from the bus, you will need to tap your payment card on one of the two card readers near the exit—one on the right and one on the left. If you are using an EZ-Link card, the reader will display the fare deducted and the remaining balance on your card. After tapping your card, exit the bus in an orderly fashion.

If you are paying in cash, you should ask the driver for the exact fare for your destination. Cash should be dropped into the metal chute next to the driver, and as change isn't given, it's a good idea to carry plenty of coins.

If you are using a stroller, it must be placed in the designated wheelchair space, with its brakes and safety restraint applied, if available. Open strollers are not permitted along the aisle, the upper deck, or any position that obstructs the entrance and exit doors. Passengers in wheelchairs are given priority for the designated wheelchair space.

If you are standing by the exit door and have already tapped your fare card on the card reader, you should still press the bell once to signal your intention to alight. This will give the bus driver enough time to react and pull into the bus stop safely.

If you are commuting with a foldable bicycle, you are permitted to bring it on board. However, observe the size limit of 120cm by 70cm by 40cm, switch off or fold the device, and cover all dirty wheels and protruding parts. Only one foldable bicycle is allowed on a bus at all times.

Frequently asked questions

You can find your nearest bus stop by downloading the MyTransport app, which is available for both iOS and Android.

Each bus stop displays information about the bus numbers that stop there, as well as an information board showing the route and stops for each bus.

There are several ways to pay for your bus fare in Singapore. You can use a stored value card such as an EZ-Link Card, a contactless credit or debit card, or cash.

Fares for travelling by bus in Singapore are calculated based on distance. If you pay by cash, you will be charged a higher fare than if you use an electronic payment method.

Some buses announce and display upcoming stops, while others only announce them. You can also monitor your location using Google Maps.

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