Theme:Transport
Adults
by LearnX Singapore
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Transport (Current)
Playlist
A collection of short videos or selected podcasts, exploring topics around Singapore's transport system
Playlist: Transport - Current
Explore Singapore’s transport today through videos showcasing traditional boatmen, MRT engineering, bus operations, and maintenance efforts. The following videos highlight the people and innovations keeping the city connected and moving smoothly.
The Boatmen of Ubin (3 min)
The boatmen of Pulau Ubin have transported passengers between mainland Singapore and Pulau Ubin for decades. Now mostly in their 60s and 70s, these seasoned ferrymen face an uncertain future as younger generations show little interest in taking over the trade.
Source: TODAYonline (2018, Mar 3). “The Boatmen of Ubin.” TODAYonline. Retrieved 2025, June 6.
Completing the Circle Line | Building Singapore (9 min)
This video follows host Chua Enlai as he explores the cutting-edge engineering behind Singapore’s expanding rail network. Learn how MRT tunnels are built underground without causing disruption above.
Source: The Straits Times (2024, Aug 15). “Completing the Circle Line | Building Singapore.” The Straits Times. Retrieved 2025, June 6.
Why Don't MRT Trains Run For 24 Hours in Singapore? (5 min)
This video takes a closer look at the maintenance efforts and upgrades that ensure Mass Rapid Transit trains remain efficient, reliable, and safe for daily commuters.
Source: OGS (2024, May 9). “Why Don't MRT Trains Run For 24 Hours in Singapore?” OGS. Retrieved 2025, June 6.
CNA | On The Red Dot | S7 E23 - BUS-tling: The Men and Women Keeping Singapore's Buses Moving (23 min)
This video shows the behind-the-scenes of Singapore’s largest bus operator, including what happened when a sudden system failure threw the Operations Control Centre into crisis mode. Watch as the team works to restore communication with bus captains and keep services running smoothly amid the chaos.
Source: CNA (2019, May 1). “CNA | On The Red Dot | S7 E23 - BUS-tling: The men and women keeping Singapore's buses moving.” CNA. Retrieved 2025, June 6.
Learning Package: Transport - Current
This learning package offers an overview of Singapore’s evolving transport landscape, covering key modes from expressways and rail to aviation and maritime.
Did you know...
In March 2024, seven futuristic-looking cabins were added to the existing fleet of 67 on the Mount Faber Line, the cable car system connecting Mount Faber and Sentosa? Called SkyOrb cabins, these feature transparent glass bottoms and were made exclusively for Singapore.
The selected articles and books highlight the city’s integrated planning, advanced infrastructure, and sustainable mobility efforts.
Articles
The A(YE), B(KE) and C(TE) of Expressways
This article outlines Singapore’s road evolution from basic 19th-century paths to today’s sophisticated expressway network. Initially built to ease congestion amid rapid motorisation and guided by the 1971 Concept Plan, major expressways like the PIE, ECP, AYE, BKE, CTE, and KJE were developed over decades. Recent projects include the underground KPE and the complex Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE). The upcoming North-South Corridor (NSC) emphasises sustainable, multi-modal transport with bus and cycling lanes.
Source: Lim, Tin Seng (2018). “The A(YE), B(KE) and C(TE) of Expressways ."BiblioAsia 14, 2 (Jul-Sep 2018). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, June 6.
A Great Way to Fly: The Singapore Airlines Story
Established in 1972, Singapore Airlines has earned a reputation as a well-recognised brand known for its impeccable service standards and luxurious in-flight experiences. The airline expanded its global network and adapted to market shifts by launching budget subsidiaries like Scoot and Tigerair. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused its first-ever net loss, SIA responded creatively by offering unique experiences and focusing on cargo operations.
Source: Ang, Seow Leng (2022). “A Great Way to Fly: The Singapore Airlines Story ." BiblioAsia 18, 2 (Jul-Sep 2022). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, June 6.
Singapore’s cable car system, launched in 1974 to connect Mount Faber and Sentosa, offers stunning views and has become a beloved attraction. Developed after the British military withdrawal, it quickly gained popularity despite a tragic 1983 ship collision accident. The system has since been upgraded with modern cabins and expanded routes, including a Sentosa line and glass-bottomed cabins introduced in 2024.
Source: Tan, Joanna (2024). “Sentosa's Cable Cars at 50 ."BiblioAsia 20, 2 (Jul-Sep 2024). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, June 6.
A Certificate of Entitlement (COE) in Singapore grants the right to own a vehicle for 10 years. It is part of the Vehicle Quota System, introduced on May 1, 1990, to control the country’s dense vehicle population by limiting the number of vehicles allowed on the road. Public buses, school buses, and emergency vehicles are exempt from the COE requirement.
Source: Marsita Omar and Nor-Afidah Abd Rahman (2019). “Certificate of Entitlement."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, June 6.
Books
Integrating Land Use & Mobility: Supporting Sustainable Growth
Chow, Clarice, Jean Chia and Mina Zhan. (2018). Integrating Land Use & Mobility: Supporting Sustainable Growth. Singapore: Centre for Liveable Cities. (Call no. RSING 388.095957 CHO)
This book details how Singapore’s integrated land use and transport planning, centered on the MRT and sustainable policies, optimised scarce space to create a liveable city. It highlights ongoing efforts to expand transit, promote cycling, and support personal mobility devices, aiming for greater accessibility and sustainable growth by 2030.
Integrating the Planning of Airports and the City: the Singapore Story
Cheong, Kay Teck. (2019). Integrating the Planning of Airports and the City: the Singapore Story.Singapore: Centre for Liveable Cities Singapore. (Call no. RSING 387.7362095957 CHE)
This book examines Singapore’s strategic decision to build Changi Airport shortly after independence, highlighting the integrated urban planning that balanced land use, transport, industry, and social needs on a land-scarce island. It showcases how the airport became a catalyst for economic growth and urban development despite significant challenges and risks.
Anchor of Our Nation: A Global Port of Call and International Maritime Centre
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. (2021). Anchor of Our Nation: A Global Port of Call and International Maritime Centre. Singapore: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. (Call no. RSING 387.1095957 MPA)
This book tells the story of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore over the past 25 years, showing how it has been a key part of the country’s economy. It explains how Singapore grew one of the busiest ports in the world and built strong connections with over 600 ports in more than 120 countries.
The Downtown Line: Soaring to New Heights
Feng, Zengkun. (2017). The Downtown Line: Soaring to New Heights. Singapore: Published for the Land Transport Authority by Straits Times Press Pte Ltd. (Call no. RSING 388.42095957 DOW)
This book chronicles the construction of Singapore’s fifth Mass Rapid Transit line, the Downtown Line, showcasing its engineering achievements, emphasis on passenger comfort, and its role in transforming rail management.
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Transport (Historical)
Playlist
A collection of short videos or selected podcasts, exploring topics around Singapore's transport system
Playlist: Transport - Historical
Singapore’s transport system has evolved alongside the city’s growth, shaped by pivotal moments in its history. The following videos offer snapshots of this journey, capturing a city in motion and the mobility that drove it.
A Pirate's Way of Life (5 mins)
In this video, Leong Seng Wai shares his experience as a pirate taxi driver in 1960s Singapore, when he used an illegally rented car to transport passengers. Although such unlicensed services were in demand, they operated outside the law and were eventually phased out by stricter government regulations.
Source: irememberSG (2019, Sep 14). “A Pirate’s Way of Life.” irememberSG. Retrieved 2025, May 9.
Singapore's 'World-Class' Trolley Buses | Age of Innovation | CNA Insider (1 min)
This video looks at Singapore’s once world-leading trolley bus system, launched in 1926 to replace the tramways. With over 100 trolley buses running by 1930 and separate fares for first- and second-class passengers, the system remained in operation until 1962.
Source: CNA Insider (2017, Jan 10). “Singapore's 'World-Class' Trolley Buses | Age of Innovation | CNA Insider.” CNA Insider. Retrieved 2025, May 9.
The Abandoned Railway Lines Bukit Timah – Do They Lead Somewhere? | History Mysteries EP2 (20 mins)
This video follows actor and host Adrian Pang and heritage enthusiast Jerome Lim as they explore the remnants of Singapore’s abandoned railway lines and uncover the locations of long-forgotten stations. These traces offer a glimpse into Singapore’s former railway network, once running through areas like River Valley and Bukit Timah.
Source: Entertainment - Mediacorp (2021, Apr 20). “The Abandoned Railway Lines Bukit Timah – Do They Lead Somewhere? | History Mysteries EP2.” Entertainment - Mediacorp. Retrieved 2025, May 9.
[SgGeoFest 2021] Virtual Tour: The Development of the Old Kallang Airport (1 hour)
In this video, heritage researcher Jerome Lim presents the history of Kallang Airport, Singapore’s first purpose-built civil airport, which opened on 12 June 1937. The presentation covers the airport’s development, its role in the aviation landscape of the time, and includes a virtual tour of the site of the former airport, which ceased operations in 1955 after the opening of Paya Lebar Airport.
Source: GeoWorks SLA (2021, Sep 20). “[SgGeoFest 2021] Virtual Tour: The Development of the Old Kallang Airport.” GeoWorks SLA. Retrieved 2025, May 9.
Learning Package: Transport (Historical)
Singapore’s transport history reflects its transformation from a colonial port to a global city.
Did you know...
The jinrickshaw, or man-drawn rickshaw, was introduced to Singapore from Japan via Shanghai in 1880? By the 1890s, a significant number of them could be seen on the roads. Despite concerns about the inhumane use of manual labor, they were popular and widespread, remaining in use until 1947.
The following articles and books explore key milestones in this transformative journey, covering land, sea, and air transport.
Articles
Bullock carts were among the earliest and most popular modes of transport in Singapore during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They served a variety of purposes such as travelling and transportation of goods. However, from 1867 onwards, they gradually declined in use due to increasing traffic and the rise of mechanised transport.
Source: Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala (2016). “Bullock Carts." Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, April 30.
This article traces the history of automobiles in Singapore through advertising, beginning with the arrival of the first cars in 1896 by the Katz Brothers. Before automobiles, horse-drawn carriages, bullock carts and jinrickshaws were commonly found on the streets.
Source: Mazelan Anuar. (2018). “Wheels of Change: 1896-1970." BiblioAsia 14, 3 (Oct-Dec 2018). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, April 30.
The Road to Nationalisation: Public Buses in Singapore
This article chronicles the turbulent history of Singapore’s bus industry, marked by 11 competing companies, unreliable service, overcrowded buses, and frequent strikes. Despite attempts at regulation and partial mergers, problems persisted until the government fully nationalised the system under Singapore Bus Services (SBS) in 1973.
Source: Lee, Meiyu. (2017). “The Road to Nationalisation: Public Buses in Singapore ."BiblioAsia 13, 3 (Oct-Dec 2017). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, April 30
The Enigma of Departure: Remembering Singapore’s Railway Lines and Stations
This article outlines the history of Singapore’s railway system, spanning three key phases: the establishment of the Singapore-Kranji Railway in 1900, its integration with Johor and Keppel Harbour, and the opening of the Jurong Branch Line in 1966.
Source: Lai, Chee Kien. (2011). “The Enigma of Departure: Remembering Singapore’s Railway Lines and Stations ." BiblioAsia 7, 3 (Oct-Dec 2011). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, April 30.
The Story of Two Shipyards: Keppel & Sembawang
The article traces the colonial origins and development of Keppel and Sembawang shipyards, detailing their evolution from British dockyards to major commercial players in Singapore’s maritime sector. It also highlights how steamships drove the port’s expansion by creating demand for drydock repairs and coal refueling. Supporting this system, lighter boats ferried coal between ships and shore facilities.
Source: Wee, Beng Geok. (2019). “The Story of Two Shipyards: Keppel & Sembawang ." BiblioAsia 15, 2 (Jul-Sep 2019). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2025, April 30.
Books
Transport
Menon, A P Gopinath. (2016). Transport. Singapore: Institute of Policy Studies and Straits Times Press. (Call no. RSING 354.76095957 MEN)
This book follows the journey of Singapore’s land transport system since its modern founding in 1819. It shows how the system developed without master-planning until 1965, after which a comprehensive transport strategy transformed the landscape. The book details Singapore's implementation of road construction, traffic management, and public transport improvements, while highlighting its pioneering role in road congestion pricing.
Jalan Singapura: 700 Years of Movement in Singapore
Teo, Eisen. (2019). Jalan Singapura: 700 Years of Movement in Singapore. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions. (Call no. RSING 388.095957 TEO)
The author presents an examination of Singapore's 700-year history through the lens of its transportation networks. The book reveals how everyday journeys have shaped the city-state's development from settlement to metropolis.
The Land Transport of Singapore: From Early Times to the Present
Archives and Oral History Department, Singapore. (1984). The Land Transport of Singapore: From Early Times to the Present. Revised edition. Singapore: Archives and Oral History Department and Educational Publications Bureau Pte Ltd. (Call no. RSING 779.9388095957 LAN)
This book traces Singapore's transportation history through photographs. It was written in conjunction with an Archives and Oral History Department exhibition in 1981. The images are organised by transport type in a largely chronological sequence, featuring jinrickshaws (man-drawn rickshaws), horse-drawn carriages, trams, motor-cars, buses, and the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system.
Singapore: Portrait of A Port
Port of Singapore Authority. (1984). Singapore: Portrait of A Port. Singapore: MPH Magazines. (Call no. RSING 779.93871095957 SIN)
This commemorative volume, marking the Port of Singapore Authority's 20th anniversary, presents Singapore's maritime heritage through historical charts, paintings, and photographs. The book documents older modes of transport such as the junk and perahu, port operations, and maritime workers including lightermen and coolies as well as infrastructure development, showcasing the development of Singapore’s modern port.
Singapore Fly-Past: A Pictorial Review of Civil Aviation in Singapore 1911-1981
Department of Civil Aviation and the Archives and Oral History Department, Singapore. (1982). Singapore Fly-Past: A Pictorial Review of Civil Aviation in Singapore 1911-1981. Singapore: MPH Magazines. (Call no. RSING 387.7095957 SIN)
This visual history charts Singapore's aviation journey across seven transformative decades. Through photographs and documents drawn from both public and private collections, the book chronicles the development of civil aviation in Singapore–from the first demonstration flight in 1911 to the opening of Changi Airport in 1981.
50 Years of Transportation in Singapore: Achievements and Challenges
Fwa, Tien Fang (ed.). (2016). 50 Years of Transportation in Singapore: Achievements and Challenges. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. (Call no. RSING 388.095957 FIF)
This volume chronicles Singapore's remarkable transformation in transportation across land, sea, and air sectors since its independence in 1965, evolving from a basic third-world system to a globally renowned transport hub. The book details significant achievements including Singapore's efficient urban planning, world-class port operations, and its position as a major regional air hub, with chapters written by industry professionals.