Singapore Expats

Hi, we are moving to Singapore soon, and thinking of living on the East Coast. I notice alot of places require a bus to get to the closest MRT.

I have heard that the MRT is very buggy-friendly, but I am wondering whether it is the same case with the buses? Or are the buses too crowded?

Are other Mums catching public transport, or is it worthwhile getting a car (despite the expense).

Many thanks

Buses can be quite crowded at times and as a courtesy, you're supposed to fold the buggy, pram or stroller. That said, there is room for them and you won't be stopped from boarding a bus.

Locals has specialised buggys for transporting young children on public transport including buses, they are called Maids!

Buses are not that buggy friendly. Some of the older ones have a few steps you have to climb and have narrow entrances, so have to fold your stroller. I used to have a bugaboo but had to change to a light umbrella stroller. So if you have a large buggy, may look into getting something light and easy to fold.

If your buggy is those three wheeler ones like in OZ , UK and the likes, you will face problems as it will be bulky , clumsy and heavy .
I would be incline to leave it at your home country and get one here. Combi carries quite a fair bit of range of four wheelers which are foldale so much so that you can sling arm it around your shoulder. It is light and cheaper too.
We had this b4 and works wonder especially walking back from JB on the causeway

slightly OT, transformer stroller for the urban cycling types: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFRVpRKEjz8



now, back to your regular programming...

We've been managing the East Coast buses with a pram. I have the baby in an Ergo carrier so I have both hands free to deal with the pram, the steps and swiping onto the bus (ie. paying the fare).
Most of the time I will get a seat. Sometimes the people in the reserved seats will pretend to be asleep so I have to strap-hang and hold onto the pram. Thankfully the baby enjoys looking at faces so I don't have to entertain her as well.
I've found taking the pram on the MRT to be a complete pain. The trains are crowded and the people are so rude. People have pushed me, the pram, pushed through our family group so not all of us could board the train. It is not a nice way to start a family outing.
I think you can get by using buses, especially if you don't need to travel at peak times.

It sounds like we definitely need to leave our heavy buggy back here in the UK before we brave the buses!

Thanks very much to everyone for your replies - much appreciated

Public transit etiquette is seriously lacking in this country. It's a real shame (and not to mention PITA, even if you're traveling without an infant) that people are so lacking in manners, but you're right, things are much better on the busses. The bus system is very extensive here, too, so it's not hard to get around without ever having to board the subway. If someone pretends they're sleeping and doesn't offer you a seat while you're carrying an infant, I would just stand really close to them and maybe accidentally step on their foot or something as the bus goes round the corner. Somebody's bound to be shamed enough to get off their butt.

poodlek wrote: etiquette is seriously lacking in this country.

fixed that for ya

nakatago wrote:

poodlek wrote: etiquette is seriously lacking in this country.

fixed that for ya

Thanks...that's what I meant...not sure what I wrote

nakatago wrote:

poodlek wrote: etiquette is seriously lacking in this country.

fixed that for ya

Fix that for the whole nation. Nobel Prize guaranteed.

Hahaha, sometimes it is even funny. I am pregnant right now and to observe the whole bunch of people sitting on the so called privileged seats 'falling asleep' the moment I enter the bus is indeed interesting
Or the whole concept that elderly give up seats to children... quite amusing.

or even the mere act of moving back a bit because the front is crowded. or getting up so you could get out of your window seat.

i wasn't able to get on a bus because it was crowded at the front. when the bus rolled away, i saw that there was enough room for someone to do a cartwheel at the back!

I am still puzzled by the aversion that some folk here have to sitting in the window seat especially if they are going to the Interchange where everyone has to get off the bus anyway!!!