I’m doing a month-long series on my Singapore trip back in September. It’s my 3rd time in the Lion City (I won’t get tired visiting it!) and I’ve been coming back for both personal development (gotta invest on myself!) and vacation (gotta get some break!). Hope you’ll enjoy this series!

I first came to Singapore back in 2017. As almost all flyers visiting the Lion City do, my travel buddy and I entered through Changi Airport, the world’s best airport for 7 consecutive years. We were greeted by carpeted flooring, indoor gardens, and other attractions that are virtually inexistent in my country’s airports and also in airports around the world.

From the airport, we rode the MRT/LRT train to Chinatown. In 45 minutes, we were already at the city center. Then a friend based in Singapore recommended an app called Citymapper, which guides commuters to get their destinations. It tells what mode/s of transportation is best to take, what time the bus or train will arrive (and it’s always on time!), what section of the train has fewer people, and what station exit to take. Even if it’s our first time in Singapore, we moved around hassle-free!

I also tried a ride-sharing app going somewhere. I noticed that on some major roads, there are gantries with sensors and the label E.R.P. It stands for Electronic Road Pricing. Whenever cars pass by it at certain hours, they will be charged with a toll fee. This system was installed to avoid road congestion by “forcing” drivers find alternative routes.

Needless to say, I am very impressed with Singapore’s transport system. It’s orderly and efficient. But it didn’t happen overnight. It would be interesting to learn how it developed through the decades.

When I was planning for my Little India Food Crawl (read about Part 1 here), I discovered about the Singapore Mobility Gallery. Operated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Gallery gives a behind-the-scenes look on how the LTA plans, designs, builds, and operates the country’s transport system. It has 7 zones which can be explored in a non-linear manner, with some focusing on the future of Singapore’s transport system.

Here are 5 things I like about that Gallery and the future of Singapore’s transport system in general:

1. Interactive Galleries

I think the direction of museums is becoming more and more interactive. The Gallery is moving towards the direction, giving visitors a richer learning experience. For example, you can try to be a transport planner via a game:

I played this game but I had no idea what I was doing!

Or you can “train” to be part of the LTA workforce via virtual reality (VR) activities:

2. Continuous Improvement on the Transport System

Singapore’s transport system is one of the best in the world due to its affordability, efficiency, and convenience it provides. But it won’t stop improving anytime soon. I guess they will continue improving until they become the best! They’re now developing autonomous vehicles, contactless gates (to improve crowd flow in train stations), and smart lampposts (which not only give light but provide traffic data), among many others.

The Hands-Free Automated Fare Collection System not only provides convenience to regular commuters but even to the elderly, families with young children, and people with disabilities (PWDs)

Even with its advance transport system, the LTA still encourages the minimal, if not non-use, of vehicles through its Walk Cycle Ride SG program, which benefits the commuter, the community, and even the country.

3. Inclusive and Accessible Transportation FOR All People

But the improvement that fascinated me the most is how Singapore is making their transport system more inclusive and accessible to all people, including the elderly, expectant mothers, parents with strollers, and people with disabilities (PWDs). For example, they’re designing the Green Man Plus, which gives the elderly and PWDs additional time to cross pedestrian lanes with a tap of a card on a provided reader. Another initiative is putting Braille plates in elevators, staircases, and railings to help the visually-impaired.

Green Man Plus (left) and the Braille Improvements (right)

These are, in my opinion, small improvements with a big impact. It shows how Singapore cares for all its citizens. Good job, LTA and Singapore!

4. Souvenir Shopping at the Knackstop

At the end (or the beginning) of your visit, you can drop by the Gallery’s souvenir store called the Knackstop. Here, you can find unique souvenir items. I got a keychain that replicates the stop button in Singapore buses. And it has an actual sound!

5. Admission is FREE!

For me, museums in Singapore are expensive. To find a gallery or museum with free admission is undoubtedly worthy of a stop. So if you’re visiting Little India or exploring Singapore on a budget, consider visiting the Singapore Mobility Gallery.

In my country, there are always long queues at train stations, the modes of transportation are outdated, and a 30-minute drive becomes 1 hour and a half. That’s why I envy Singapore’s transport system. Still, I remain hopeful that my country, at least the capital, will one day catch up with the Lion City.

Have you been to the Singapore Mobility Gallery? How was your experience? What can you say about your country’s transport system compared to Singapore’s? Comment them below!

Address: Land Transport Authority, L1 Block 1, 1 Hampshire Road, Singapore | Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30AM-5PM; Saturday (for pre-arranged community visits only): 9:30AM-1PM | Website

Other entries in the SG Trip ‘19 series: Bedazzled by Jewel Changi Airport | Eating at Jewel Changi Airport | Little India Food Crawl Part 1 (Hawker Food at Tekka Centre)

SG Trip '19: Appreciating Singapore’s Transport System at the Singapore Mobility Gallery

1. Interactive Galleries

2. Continuous Improvement on the Transport System

3. Inclusive and Accessible Transportation FOR All People

4. Souvenir Shopping at the Knackstop

5. Admission is FREE!