Patricia Ready McNulty Krier asks: Do many drive cars there or do folks mostly walk and/or bike? Just curious to compare this culture to that of Seoul, So.Korea where my daughter is. Biking and walking and subway are the standard modes of transportation there.
Yes, there are many cars here but most people use public transportation. Singapore is an island that is approximately 15 miles wide and 50 miles long. The population is pushing 5 million. They say if every family owned one car that the roads would be parking lots and not roads. The price of cars and government policies discourage most people from getting a car. A Toyota Corolla costs over $100,000. Before you can even buy a car you have to purchase a C.O.E. (a license to own a car). The C.O.E. usually costs $10,000+. Then there are tolls and road taxes every where you go. Still, many people own cars.
Public transportation is exceptional with buses, subways and taxis. Buses and the MRT (Subway in the city, above the ground train outside the city) are very inexpensive. You can go almost anywhere for around a $1. Taxis are also very cheap compared to most cities. You can travel the length of the country for about $30.
I personally love riding in the top of the double decker buses. The MRT is fast but sometimes crowded. I usually use a taxi if I have groceries or need to get somewhere in a major hurry. I also do more walking here which is great for my heart.
It is a blessing not having a car! No car payments, maintenance or insurance. Major savings for us. I have a card the size of credit card that I put about $10 per week on and works on all the buses and MRT's. There are not many bicycles like in other Asian cities.
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