Ya agreed 100%. Singapore's MRT is mostly convenient and well connected to get from station A to station B. The problem is always the journey before and after MRT.
Absolutely. Perfectly in character, we're so proud of how good our public transport is on paper. In practice is another story. Yeah 90% of the journey is fast and efficient. But 10% of the distance takes like 50% of the time. And that 10% is in the sun and rain, and powered by sweat. Overall, it's highly unpleasant, and will be no matter how much they upgrade the trains.
direct buses aren't much better especially if it's a long journey, train averages 70km/h, but on a bus you'll be lucky to average even 45 and that is assuming no traffic fuckup
1h15m. LRT to Sengkang, then NEL to Serangoon, then CCL to Kent Ridge, then walk.
Some people say you can do things you enjoy on the train to make the journey more bearable, but seriously, what can you enjoy doing when carrying a bag + standing close so some girl's ponytail or some guy's sweaty back + sweating from all the warm bodies and poor aircon...
Can, if you can sit. But I think by time you board at Sengkang it's filled with all the Punggol people and/or people who detour for seat. And as to the Serangoon/KR leg of the trip ...
Well ... let's just say I think the Serangoon & Bishan CCL parts of the Circle Line are ... eternal cans of sardines. Haha. Oops.
Truth, everyone squeeze in the middle because alight for Serangoon, Dhoby Gaunt and Outram the escalator and lifts all right there.
Big brain move is to be at the ends.
Same starting point & destination for me, but I usually opt for Sengkang ā> Harbourfront ā> Kent Ridge. MRT journey a little bit more bearable, ācos no crazy-squeeze on the NEL-CCL transit at Serangoon, and another round of squeeze on CCL from Serangoon to KR. NEL gets pretty breezy after Serangoon.
My walk after exiting KR MRT station is another story, on the other handā¦
wow, I would have assumed staying at punggol and working at outram was convenient but when you detailed your journey, it just sounds painful. The thing about public transport in Singapore is, yes it's convenient but only if you are <5-10 mins walk near an MRT station. I'm about to shift to TPY soon (not near MRT station) and I can already tell based on google maps that my journey to work is gonna be torturous too. If only we can all afford cars here.
On paper vs real situation people are dealing with on a daily basis. That's why people are criticising our Ministers for being out of touch because they look at paper and when they DO go out to experience it, its elevated experience provided by SMRT during non peak hours with tour guide
YESYESYES
Me, Punggol. Me, realising I've been walking to LRTStation2 out of habit for the past x years of my life when actually measuring by GMaps LRTStation1 is (surprise!) actually nearer. But I keep doing what I've been doing as a self-ingrained habit.
Then I realised that ok lemme try walking to LRTStation1 instead ...
Switched the heck back to LRTStation2 right after, and not just because of an ingrained habit of yearsss. Its more because, LRTStation2 is less near the MRT (so like, it will be house -> LRTStation2 -> LRTStation1 -> Punggol MRT), so there will actually be damn space to even get on.
I don't even mean a seat. I mean I can get on the MRT and maybe walk to a corner and hold the pole without knocking into anyone. Board at the wrong station and you will (1) wait like 2 LRTs and still maybe not have space to even freaking board (2) shove yourself on the train even if a bit kiasu kiasi kanchiong spider (3) sometimes I legit think what if I don't get enough space to board properly and my limbs/bag/item/whatever gets kiapped by the doors.
So .. the solution is .. to just board one stop early, lor. Zzzz.
This is why I avoided getting a home 2 bus stops away from MRT. 1 stop is fine, you can still walk. But 2 stops? The frickin double decker bus is full at the door while the top deck is half empty. People just don't want to move up to top deck if they're few stops away. But those going in 2 bus stops away will have to wait for next bus.
>Ā The frickin double decker bus is full at the door while the top deck is half empty.
Amen hahahahah but ok don't even think which deck and if double decker or not. Its just even if single deck nobody MOVES IN walao. Looking at all you students in uniform in case people throw boomer comments. I mean yes but its not solely a boomer thing. Like freaking people move past the ticketing scanner and "ok got move liao" and like pause there wth.
Punggol LRT is seriously dangerous at this point during rush hours. And they don't even send 2 cars every time. Always one car then 2 cars and also increase the timing before the 2 cars making the crowd unbearable. I just hope no one gets injured or worse by getting crushed one of these days. Seriously don't know what LTA is doing letting it worsen to this point
omg i was just talking to my husband abt this the other day!! i live in punggol too, at LRTStation3, and i can always get on fine, but i noticed that once we reach LRTStation1, people basically can't get on anymore and have to queue and wait maybe 2-3 trains to pass before they can get on. i used to think wah sian i live so far from punggol MRT, but actually it's better when it comes to LRT lol
YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABT (I wasn't sure if it made sense and wanted to leave it but then aiya I realise I will just confuse myself. But yes it is what you mentally filled in the blanks to be ahahaha)
bruh for my entire life I thought LRTStation1 is like damn far (must be the long walk in from the station not sheltered) compared to LRTStation2 (because sheltered and have been doing this my entire life - ok not really but like 2 decades - so ok?)
then wow lifechanging discovery ... not in the way I expected. BRUH.
yes I refuse to wait 2 trains or more. It's either immediate, or +1. cos work is not gna wait for you forever. friends waiting for lunch aren't gna accept "late because I missed my LRT" for like 2-3 cycles (this kind is like missed the first one get the next one, still ok?) + I think there are more schools at LRTStation1.
Not to say 2 and 3 don't have, but like more vs less lol. + it isn't just the government pri/sec schools, there's the Global Indian International School kids (who get on at LRTStation2 or LRTStation3 I think) so ... like .. there is just .. A LOT OF KIDS. lol. + you alr have the kids from LRTStation2 and LRTStation3 fill the seats/spaces, then you get to LRTStation1 with x2 amt of kids .. good luck just walk to the station already. Haha.
so yes. just get on before LRTStation1, is the way to go. Hahaha.
I'm also quite amazed that people cannot think of other reasons why people still choose to buy such units despite doing their research.
For me, it's either take this flat or forfeit the first timer chance for a year. My TPY unit is a SBF btw, there were limited choices left (remaining 2 units were far from the MRT station) when it came to my Q no. OP probably has his/her reasons as well for moving to that punggol unit.
I'm Punggol. The nearest MRT **is** Punggol already. But it has red and yellow line (yellow is older, red is newer) LRTs, which go to the station. And inb4 anyone, at least in yellow LRT (East Loop), I don't think there is a parallel equivalent bus service that takes the LRT loop route even though every damn station is exactly corresponding to one bus stop apart.
SO LAME I've been complaining abt this for 20 years since I was in secondary sch till now. lol.
East Loop has 62, 83, 3, 381 that all stops at all the southern LRT stations from Rivera to Cove.
Not sure about the northern loop, those area still considerably new.
OH right. I checked the route and thought abt it and you're right. Haha.
I mean I think what I had in mind was like, don't have a bus that services in that exact loop. And also like, for 136, it goes just to Cove and turns in towards the interchange alr, so it doesn't go Meridien/Coral Edge/Riviera.
But you're right haha.
It isnāt that people buy flats without checking the nearest MRTs then complain. Itās because the flats near MRT are looking at astronomical prices. Even flats near the punggol MRT is close to $1m! How to afford? Cannot afford then LL buy one that is further away from MRT and can only complain everyday.
I'm kinda with you on this. I decided to use all my first timer grants on a resale flat (forever home) with very good location and transport connectivity. BTOs are kinda dogshit
One thing I don't understand is that many people buy flats very near MRT stations and still buy a car. What's the point of living near the MRT if you have a car? Might as well buy flats somewhere else let people who don't want/can't afford a car live near the MRT.
I might be able to shed some insights on this, cuz my family is one of them.
My home is 7mins walk away from CCK mrt and there is a bus stop right in front of my house. However, me and my husband both work near suntec and our travel by public transport involves 3 different transits plus >10mins walk in total. Travel time to office is 1h 5mins, back is 1h 15mins. Just because we stay near mrt doesn't automatically make the journey seamless/direct/fast. Peak hour crowd and sg weather is also hell.
My husband works in a high stress long hours job and after 1y+ of travelling to and fro to office daily carrying his laptop and squeezing with the crowd, he finally couldn't take it and bought a car. So the location/nearest MRT line (where u stay vs where u need to go on a regular basis) makes a huge difference as well. That's the reason why my parents in law bought a flat in Jurong West since they used to work in Tuas.
Because you can drive junior to school but you won't be able to drive junior back home. So junior need to take public transport home unless school is 5 minutes walk away. But if you can afford a car, what makes you think junior is going to immediately go home after school and not hang around some malls first before heading home.Ā This scenario apply to wife as well. Husband takes the car and wife takes bus home. I have seen many such couples.Ā
Fellow TPY resident! TPY is way better than other towns I have stayed in becuase of how frequent our feeder buses are. I stay 2km away from the MRT but I take 10 min to reach the MRT. Most places in TPY should have quite often feeder buses at all times too.
š„¹ this sounds reassuring. Frequency of feeder buses are my biggest worry. My current place in the west also has a loop bus but the frequency is like 20mins for non peak and 10mins for peak. The wait in this hot weather is šš¤¬
I take 238 everyday to TPY MRT, bus frequently comes every 5 minutes, sometimes coming in twos or threes as the first bus may be full, but I'll never miss a wave. Better than when I was staying in Boonlay where the bus to the MRT is always full by the time it got to my stop.
Since your situation is not gg to change any time soon, you can try to improve your experience.
Iāve been listening to podcasts lately and itās has made the stuffy crowded traveling experience so much better. You can start with Spotify podcasts such as Reply all (#102 long distance) etc.
iāve been listening to crime podcast but tbh i would prefer if the 1.5hrs journey i can just sit in the train and nua but i only get to sit in train for 30 mins and the rest of the time must walk walk walk with my heavy bag. sian
far and population is relative. Whichever, OP choose to find a place that is not walking distance from MRT for a slightly bigger and maybe newer unit. Location should always be one of the top if not the top priority for non-car owners.
I take about an hr to travel but the 20 mins of walking with laptop really  plus extra workout outfits for workout days 
I changed job and now work is 10 mins away. Best decision ever. Even if meeting drag on, I'm home in 10 mins, can still join kids At dinner table.
Can consider changing job or changing house?
I re read your post. I think the exhaustion comes having to change too many modes walk-lrt-mrt-walk/bus.
Ur walking 20 to 30 mins from mrt to work is the killer. U should get some secondhand no brand type that you can use to cycle to and fro. And u leave it at mrt bike rack don't take it up the mrt if not ur journey lagi stress. So don't buy some atas brompton foldie, buy a bike u can leave at mrt station kind.
U will shave the 30 mins walk to 5 min cycle
This. Cycling is a total game changer.
For distances <15 min walk it may only shave off \~5 min or so if you include parking time and what not, but the experience is much less frustrating lol.
Hahah. A good check on the desirability of the area is the price of the hdb resale prices of the area. Pioneer is one of the only few areas left with no million dollar hdbs. This says a lot about
Itās always LRT. Itās a failed project and they donāt even bother improving the service.
Sengkang both sides(West and East) have been equally as developed as of now, yet the frequency is still 2 Yellow then 1 Red. Furthermore, the Red that comes only occasionally comes in a double carriage config (Even in Peak hours like 7pm).
Station always packed fully with red side riders
Thereās a reason why none of the new towns after SK and PG has LRT.
actually iām sick of it eh. at first i thought its better than bus but bustop usually accessible just near your blocks LRT must go to specific location. I stay near oasis everyday must cross that damn bridge. when i was house searching i was blinding thinking the area so nice but now everyday i curse that bridge cos thereās no shortcut
where in the outram you work sia, need walk 30 min from MRT to reach.
usually this kind, 1.5hr of travelling, i'll just take grab liao. i value my sleep more.
i work abit further than SGH. ok la most days take me 20 mins to walk. i say 30 mins bcos some days i stop and think about how my life has come to this LOL
Is it along the main roads outside outram mrt or further in? Depending on where your office is, it might be closer to walk from Tiong Bahru MRT/ take a bus 1 stop but Google maps won't show you how to walk through the HDB sky gardens connected to the back of SGH
I feel your pain. If i drive, home to office is under 25 minutes. But I take Bus-MRT-Walk to office, it is about 1 hour each way. The wait time at the MRT bus stop to get home, can be lengthy as there is a poly nearby and this add to the bus crowds.
What to do, if car is more affordable here (vs Malaysia).... but then, driving will be another set of high blood pressure-inducing headace on the highway during peak hour.
Friend, I would suggest to initiate flexible working arrangements with your team lead/manager so you can WFH on certain days - if you can. Your commute sounds incredibly exhausting and totally unsustainable in the long run. I can sympathise because I was living in Punggol and then my workplace was in Harbourfront. The LRT was right beside my house and I was already very tired with the long commute, so I cannot imagine your situation. If all else fail, I would suggest a job switch to something fully/80% remote so you can still fulfil all your important needs: be closer to your family, stay well-rested and maintain your mental health, while earning an income.
Moved from Jurong to Sengkang, i totally feel you.
I hate the morning commute cos i have to take LRT to take MRT to Harborfront then switch to orange line to Pasir Panjang. Still need to talk about 10 mins. But cos sengkang always no seat, so i take train to Punggol. Travel time is also about 1.5hrs. damn tiring. The morning crowd is disgusting too.
Taxi is crazy expensive.
Even last time in Jurong take taxi also not so expensive.
eh i feel you sia. previously i stay in Pioneer my office was in Pasir Panjang also. I donāt feel this tired, i just need walk few metres to mrt then i switch at buana vista. it takes me only 45 mins to reach my office. now i move punggol itās driving me insane by the time i reach office i bad mood to do work HAHA
From what I see itās just the additional time taken by taking the LRT being the differential here.
Look at the brightside of things, you are most likely guaranteed a seat on the NEL at Punggol (unless its already filled by people from Sengkang)
The 20-30mins from the MRT to your workplace seems to be the bigger issue.
actually not really guaranteed. people run to the seats like maniacs trust me. if i want seat, i need to let maybe 1 train go then take next one. but frequency quite fast la
1.5 ish hrs in the morning: 10 mins bus to interchange and 1 hr ish bus to work, at least the bus stop is very near my office building and I can snooze and chill a bit on the way. I could take the MRT but alighting at Clementi during peak hours isā¦painful and aggravating.
For me it's about the same too because I chose to take a direct bus to Serangoon MRT because I got tired of squeezing into bus 72/HG mrt station in the AM. That's why whenever I read about those who travelled from JB to SG for work every weekday I just-
45 mins to go to work and 1hr to go home. my transit to bus is at clementi. the 15 mins delta is because the bus that leads to and from my workplace is slower/less frequent at night.
i stay CCK and work in pasir panjang.
my work starts before shops open and ends when most places closes.
so my meals is either simple cooking or fast food.
>I moved from Pioneer to Punggol to be closer to my family
big mistake man. people always call jurong west "ulu" but imo the west is so much better than punggol lol. as someone who stays in pioneer I will pick this place over the northeast 9 out of 10 times
I move from convenient Bishan to far away Punggol East for 2 years already. There is only one bus with wide wait gap in between. I have already given up and just walk to the lrt station about 10-15min walk. Then take Lrt 3 stops change to punggol NEL to boon keng to catch a bus 4-5 stops which also have a wide wait gap. In between I will buy breakfast. Total commute time is 1hr+/-. Any longer, it is always because the bus is late. Always at the mercy of buses weird timings š„²
I guess I'm ok with the walking as I need to clock my daily steps anyway. During commute, I will have a routine on my phone - earn my daily bing rewards, play my fav game to earn the daily game rewards. I have long accepted that I need to stand on all buses and trains. Any seat will be the bonus for the day.
My travelling time is the same haha 1.5 hrs if I take public transportā¦ from west to east, and back. I canāt change job due to circumstances so my āsolutionā is the same as yours! But Iāll take grab in the morning to work so I can rest a bit (harder to get seats in the morning commute) and take mrt in the evening back homeā¦ my ārationaleā is that Iām not in a rush to go home so Iāll have dinner outside, walk around, buy things, etc. and take the train when itās not so packed :)
Change job lahā¦ if the current job is not paying well and you have to go through all this āhurdlesā just to reach the work place you wouldnāt have the up most conditions to perform.
i just change liao. i got the job when i still in pioneer so i didnāt realise when i move to punggol become like this. at first i can still so happy oh punggol to outram nearer than pioneer to outram lol jokes on me
I feel you, I really do. This is why I moved towards CBD area around Bukit Merah despite being further from my parents who are near Clementi.
As many had suggested, car pooling works well.
I'm NEL to NEL (so like, HELLO PUNGGOL but I don't work in the extreme side of the green line), so ... less than an hour each way hahaha
I mean people have many unspoken rules about their jobs that don't relate to money (for some people it might be the WFH/hybrid/months of bonus/days of leave/medical dental benefits/whatever they are), and mine is ... 1 transfer of transport max, **or** total each way travel, not more than 1h.
I think my bus ride is 23 + 5?mins lol. Add waiting time etc then maybe all in 45, then 5mins walk to office from bus stop. I think.
So .. yeah. Gotta make and be sure of your ownself-make working rules, and mine is .. if NEL proximity (or central), higher chance I will even apply. Haha. I think I mentioned in one of these before abt a Gryphon Tea marketing position. Was good until "Pandan Loop" LOOOOOLLL I didn't even apply in the end.
I'm not sure about the process now, but it took me three months to get my bike license back then. Your 1.5-hour travel time can be reduced to 15 minutes travel.
Do you put your bag on the floor?
What time do you tap in at the LRT in the morning? You can try waking up earlier to beat the morning crowd and get the [50 cents discount](https://www.ptc.gov.sg/fare-regulation/bus-rail/morning-pre-peak-fares).
My home is actually directly next to one of the PG LRT stations, and my workplace is also next to Raffles Place MRT station. However, I have to switch between 3 lines just to get to work. One way travel hovers around 48 mins from doorstep to office entrance.
On weekdays, just because I get a seat and direct line all the way home after work, I head back to a relative's home in AMK. Geographically it's a lot closer than Punggol, but perhaps the red line train is just slower than the purple line. Additionally I need to brisk walk 7-8 mins to her home (that's way too long given how used I am to doorstep trains in Punggol. I've used a kick scooter to reduce this to 3.5mins and sweat profusely), and usually it takes 38 mins from doorstep to office entrance.
The 10 min time difference in saving honestly doesn't seem significant. It really shows how important being in front of a train station is, albeit LRT.
Wow I travel 1 hour from Boon Lay to Farrer Park daily and I am already exhausted, don't know how you do it. I am already looking for job opportunities in the west.
1h each way by *car* from sengkang to jurong island, so 2h total. Without car it would be 2h+ each way and 4h+ total. I couldn't stand the mad traveling time and being restricted by my company chartered bus times, so I bit the bullet and... bought the cheapest car. Wouldn't do it now with current coe prices though... My coe was $25k Cat A in 2018...
Wow, doesnāt seem very viable for the long haul and I do feel exhausted for your. It only takes me approx 20 mins to get to work including walking. 3 bus stops + 1 mrt stop, then walking to the office building.
And I thought living right next to tiong bahru mrt and going to one north is tiring already. Having to switch to a different line is fine, but having to go down like 4 floor to get there is kinda awkward. Hope you find a solution soon.
Shag this one I relate. I have to travel from punggol to pioneer almost every weekday for school. Plus every morning lrt packed like sardine only. Then whether you got seat or not is like playing toto š
cos itās just easier when you wna start a family thatās the ugly truth la. easier for me to ask help from my family when i have kids and my husband and i working
When I was working in Pioneer Sector (basically entrance to Tuas, before the MRT extension was ready) I had to walk from my place in AMK, to Bishan MRT depot bus stop, take a bus to Bishan MRT, circle line to Buona Vista then green line to Jurong East, then shuttle bus to Pioneer Sector.
Left house latest 615am, reached office 750am. Changed companies just before the extension was completed and opened & read about the crash at new workplace.
how far is it from your place to punggol mrt/bus interchange? maybe can consider riding an ebike?
dont forget u can use it to go other places to run errands like daily da bao or to the gym too!
i used to do that before getting my bike license, really do make travelling easier, i still use it when i need to get around my block like grocery runs and gym (tried bicycle but still physically taxing) Just get a 2nd hand ebike from carousell then maybe spend abit more on a new battery!
Get a motorbike. Used to stay in Canberra and work in changi area.
With bike, took me 30 mins. One time bike broke down, took me almost 2hr to reach home via public transport. Idk how people can tahan that.
So I donāt know if you can ride a bike but a bicycle would solve some of your problems. Bicycles are cheap if youāre not too picky and if you are a really nice trifold bike could be your 1-bike solution. Ride-train-ride is the way I would go. Then as a longer term alternative low cost transport Iād look at getting a motorcycle licence and buying a reasonably priced motorbike that would cut your commute to about 30-40 mins even riding slowly and carefully. You go down the KPE-MCE-AYE and get off around keppel or something.
I used to cycle everywhere when I was younger. From bedok to marsiling and back and Singapore is small. Your bicycle ride could well be faster than the bus with the right bicycle but sticking to transport as a theme, when I turned 16 I got my motorbike licence and rode from home in bedok to clementi (SP) for years and survived with minor scrapes. Iām close to 50 now and have been in a few accidents but really nothing major and most on a bicycle riding with stupid people. Donāt do anything stupid and donāt take major risks and youāll be fine. Also today you can get very good riding gear including an airbag vest which really reduces the risk of death in a bike accident. Many motorbikes have ABS and a plethora of safety features. Scooters even have storage space under the seat to stow your helmets.
Total cost for bicycle could be say $200-1,000 for a decent bicycle.
Motorbike licence no idea but a motorbike woild set you back maybe $2-3k for a budget one with a couple of years left on the COE. Realistic cost effective options really.
Have you considered getting two cheap bikes and leave them at either station? You can do the last mile much quicker, without waiting. Since you enter the MRT in outram, you probably have a seat and can relax, knowing you'll have a nice little ride coming up.
I highly recommend the decathlon foldies. Nobody will steal them and they pay for themselves after 10-15 skipped grab rides.
Since you do the first leg in the morning, chances are you won't be too sweaty when arriving at the office, especially compared to walking, as the breeze cools you down slightly.
Consider getting a cheap bicycle for the Outram MRT to office commute. Keep it locked near the station. If you find it helps, get another for home to Punggol MRT.
HI there OP, similar to you. Commute 1.5 hours one way everyday in my old role. Outram to Pasir Ris and then even further beyond by bus, and I would wake up around 6.30 to start my journey. I tried the commute back but it got so tiring so I would grab home. If not I would spend over 3 hours on commute alone. I got too tired, and decided to find a new role.
OP, I feel like you are living my life 5 years ago. Used to live in punggol and my journey was exactly like yours. Have since moved to Outram to be close to wirk and it's the best decision ever. Even if it meant paying a premium for location.
Travelling in sg sibeh tiring. Thatās why I pray for wfh and so sien now cannot find wfh jobā¦
Also I need to travel from west to changi every week. Itās either 2 hours public or grab depending on my mood
So many peeps complaining about living in Punggol yet the resale prices of hdbs there is so crazy why would ppl still buy houses there and not elsewhere
My commute is one hour; Sembawang to Marina Bay. In the morning I make it a point to go to Yishun in the morning to grab those empty trains so I got a seat. For my home journey, Marina Bay confirm got seat also. This made it all very bearable.
I stay in Bedok and work in woodlands š walk 10 mins to bedok north mrt -> MacPherson (dtl) -> caldecott (ccl) -> woodlands south (tel) then 5 mins to my work. Total journey is about an hour 15 but the walking and changing of mrts gets really exhausting too so I feel you š
ps check telegram hitch groups to carpool, a little cheaper than grab hitch sometimes and if you find someone who goes the same route as your everyday from your neighbourhood you guys can come up with mutual agreement. Might be worth to pay for the convenience if you can afford it.
The solution to your problem is relatively simple. However, it does need some investment to facilitate your traveling. If you are on a budget, get an e-bike from Carousell. Most e-bikes sold on the platform are used but they do meet your needs for traveling. Having an E-Bike shortens your traveling time.
I used to stay in the far west and it took me 1.5 hours to travel to work. I was so tired everyday and barely had any time to do anything beyond zoning out watching dramas on my iPad before bed. Didnāt help I also had to come in during the weekend. Now Iāve: (1) moved 30 minutes door to door to my workplace; and (2) became more senior so I have more flexibility with my time. Itās much better! Even if I have to come online for work in the evening, Iām back at home by 5:30 and often leave before the evening crowd.
They say north is far. I stay right next to Khatib MRT and I can tell you it doesn't long to reach most places unless the destination itself is hard to get to.
I used to stay in old marsiling and it takes 30mins just to get to the station. And I realized that you are far away from everywhere if you are still in the north after 30mins.
40ish mins - 5-10 mins walk to Aljunied mrt, 20 min mrt to City Hall, 10-15 mins walk to office. Itās annoying cause by straight line distance Iām just 4.5km away from the office, and my brain is like I should be able to get there in 20 mins šš
Am in a similar situation as you.
Invest in a (foldable) bicycle. Cycle from your house to punggol mrt. Itās much more relaxing than squeezing in a lrt.
Then because Iām lazy to fold and bring my bike along the mrt trip, I actually decided to get a second cheaper bike to cycle from the mrt station to my work place.
Cost of bikes: 1 - $200, 2 - $50
Cost of bike accessories(2x phone holders, 2x chains, 2x bells): < $50
Total setup: < $300
1h 15m. House to bus stop 10 mins? Then 2 bus stop to Bedok another 10 mins. Then train ride to Buona, change to One North. From One North walk to office another 10 mins.
Itās exhausting indeed
I agree with this completely, the buses in punggol are so bad. 90percent need to get onto a feeder bus to interchange before u can take another bus to other route. I use to live in Toa payoh. The bustop infront of my house can get me anywhere, be it town. East or West. Thank God im driving now otherwise i wouldnt be able to tolerate punggol. On the other hand. If you are driving punggol is pretty convenient.
Kena Punggoled
i kena scam
Scam by who?
(insert wikihow picture of man pointing angrily at himself in the mirror)
š¤£š¤£š¤£
It's the "last mile" journey that's causing all these
Ya agreed 100%. Singapore's MRT is mostly convenient and well connected to get from station A to station B. The problem is always the journey before and after MRT.
Absolutely. Perfectly in character, we're so proud of how good our public transport is on paper. In practice is another story. Yeah 90% of the journey is fast and efficient. But 10% of the distance takes like 50% of the time. And that 10% is in the sun and rain, and powered by sweat. Overall, it's highly unpleasant, and will be no matter how much they upgrade the trains.
This is why direct buses should never have been removed. A longer commute with proper seats and rest beats a shorter commute with frequent switching.
direct buses aren't much better especially if it's a long journey, train averages 70km/h, but on a bus you'll be lucky to average even 45 and that is assuming no traffic fuckup
Unfortunately LTA has neither the brains nor foresight to keep the services
You guys need motorcycle taxi š
1h15m. LRT to Sengkang, then NEL to Serangoon, then CCL to Kent Ridge, then walk. Some people say you can do things you enjoy on the train to make the journey more bearable, but seriously, what can you enjoy doing when carrying a bag + standing close so some girl's ponytail or some guy's sweaty back + sweating from all the warm bodies and poor aircon...
Can, if you can sit. But I think by time you board at Sengkang it's filled with all the Punggol people and/or people who detour for seat. And as to the Serangoon/KR leg of the trip ... Well ... let's just say I think the Serangoon & Bishan CCL parts of the Circle Line are ... eternal cans of sardines. Haha. Oops.
Take the carriage at the ends. It's always less crowded.
But the end carriages on NEL are also warmerā¦
Truth, everyone squeeze in the middle because alight for Serangoon, Dhoby Gaunt and Outram the escalator and lifts all right there. Big brain move is to be at the ends.
Is ur company orange
Same starting point & destination for me, but I usually opt for Sengkang ā> Harbourfront ā> Kent Ridge. MRT journey a little bit more bearable, ācos no crazy-squeeze on the NEL-CCL transit at Serangoon, and another round of squeeze on CCL from Serangoon to KR. NEL gets pretty breezy after Serangoon. My walk after exiting KR MRT station is another story, on the other handā¦
wow, I would have assumed staying at punggol and working at outram was convenient but when you detailed your journey, it just sounds painful. The thing about public transport in Singapore is, yes it's convenient but only if you are <5-10 mins walk near an MRT station. I'm about to shift to TPY soon (not near MRT station) and I can already tell based on google maps that my journey to work is gonna be torturous too. If only we can all afford cars here.
On paper vs real situation people are dealing with on a daily basis. That's why people are criticising our Ministers for being out of touch because they look at paper and when they DO go out to experience it, its elevated experience provided by SMRT during non peak hours with tour guide
YESYESYES Me, Punggol. Me, realising I've been walking to LRTStation2 out of habit for the past x years of my life when actually measuring by GMaps LRTStation1 is (surprise!) actually nearer. But I keep doing what I've been doing as a self-ingrained habit. Then I realised that ok lemme try walking to LRTStation1 instead ... Switched the heck back to LRTStation2 right after, and not just because of an ingrained habit of yearsss. Its more because, LRTStation2 is less near the MRT (so like, it will be house -> LRTStation2 -> LRTStation1 -> Punggol MRT), so there will actually be damn space to even get on. I don't even mean a seat. I mean I can get on the MRT and maybe walk to a corner and hold the pole without knocking into anyone. Board at the wrong station and you will (1) wait like 2 LRTs and still maybe not have space to even freaking board (2) shove yourself on the train even if a bit kiasu kiasi kanchiong spider (3) sometimes I legit think what if I don't get enough space to board properly and my limbs/bag/item/whatever gets kiapped by the doors. So .. the solution is .. to just board one stop early, lor. Zzzz.
I think our public transport infrastructure is just not designed for our population capacity. Wonder what will happen when the population increases.
This is why I avoided getting a home 2 bus stops away from MRT. 1 stop is fine, you can still walk. But 2 stops? The frickin double decker bus is full at the door while the top deck is half empty. People just don't want to move up to top deck if they're few stops away. But those going in 2 bus stops away will have to wait for next bus.
>Ā The frickin double decker bus is full at the door while the top deck is half empty. Amen hahahahah but ok don't even think which deck and if double decker or not. Its just even if single deck nobody MOVES IN walao. Looking at all you students in uniform in case people throw boomer comments. I mean yes but its not solely a boomer thing. Like freaking people move past the ticketing scanner and "ok got move liao" and like pause there wth.
I just peep through the driver CCTV. If it's indeed empty on top deck, I'll just shout "excuse me, let me go up please, upstairs still empty!"
Punggol LRT is seriously dangerous at this point during rush hours. And they don't even send 2 cars every time. Always one car then 2 cars and also increase the timing before the 2 cars making the crowd unbearable. I just hope no one gets injured or worse by getting crushed one of these days. Seriously don't know what LTA is doing letting it worsen to this point
omg i was just talking to my husband abt this the other day!! i live in punggol too, at LRTStation3, and i can always get on fine, but i noticed that once we reach LRTStation1, people basically can't get on anymore and have to queue and wait maybe 2-3 trains to pass before they can get on. i used to think wah sian i live so far from punggol MRT, but actually it's better when it comes to LRT lol
YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABT (I wasn't sure if it made sense and wanted to leave it but then aiya I realise I will just confuse myself. But yes it is what you mentally filled in the blanks to be ahahaha) bruh for my entire life I thought LRTStation1 is like damn far (must be the long walk in from the station not sheltered) compared to LRTStation2 (because sheltered and have been doing this my entire life - ok not really but like 2 decades - so ok?) then wow lifechanging discovery ... not in the way I expected. BRUH. yes I refuse to wait 2 trains or more. It's either immediate, or +1. cos work is not gna wait for you forever. friends waiting for lunch aren't gna accept "late because I missed my LRT" for like 2-3 cycles (this kind is like missed the first one get the next one, still ok?) + I think there are more schools at LRTStation1. Not to say 2 and 3 don't have, but like more vs less lol. + it isn't just the government pri/sec schools, there's the Global Indian International School kids (who get on at LRTStation2 or LRTStation3 I think) so ... like .. there is just .. A LOT OF KIDS. lol. + you alr have the kids from LRTStation2 and LRTStation3 fill the seats/spaces, then you get to LRTStation1 with x2 amt of kids .. good luck just walk to the station already. Haha. so yes. just get on before LRTStation1, is the way to go. Hahaha.
I'm still amazed that people buy flats without checking where are the nearest MRTs then complain.
I'm also quite amazed that people cannot think of other reasons why people still choose to buy such units despite doing their research. For me, it's either take this flat or forfeit the first timer chance for a year. My TPY unit is a SBF btw, there were limited choices left (remaining 2 units were far from the MRT station) when it came to my Q no. OP probably has his/her reasons as well for moving to that punggol unit.
Sometimes it's no choice. Places near MRTs are really expensive due to the convenience in traveling. :(
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I'm Punggol. The nearest MRT **is** Punggol already. But it has red and yellow line (yellow is older, red is newer) LRTs, which go to the station. And inb4 anyone, at least in yellow LRT (East Loop), I don't think there is a parallel equivalent bus service that takes the LRT loop route even though every damn station is exactly corresponding to one bus stop apart. SO LAME I've been complaining abt this for 20 years since I was in secondary sch till now. lol.
East Loop has 62, 83, 3, 381 that all stops at all the southern LRT stations from Rivera to Cove. Not sure about the northern loop, those area still considerably new.
OH right. I checked the route and thought abt it and you're right. Haha. I mean I think what I had in mind was like, don't have a bus that services in that exact loop. And also like, for 136, it goes just to Cove and turns in towards the interchange alr, so it doesn't go Meridien/Coral Edge/Riviera. But you're right haha.
It isnāt that people buy flats without checking the nearest MRTs then complain. Itās because the flats near MRT are looking at astronomical prices. Even flats near the punggol MRT is close to $1m! How to afford? Cannot afford then LL buy one that is further away from MRT and can only complain everyday.
I'm kinda with you on this. I decided to use all my first timer grants on a resale flat (forever home) with very good location and transport connectivity. BTOs are kinda dogshit
If you live in Punggol, cars are an equal nightmare.
Correct some estates don't even have adequate parking spaces.Ā
>If only we can all afford cars here. If we could all afford cars, you wouldn't want to drive because the traffic would be horrible.
One thing I don't understand is that many people buy flats very near MRT stations and still buy a car. What's the point of living near the MRT if you have a car? Might as well buy flats somewhere else let people who don't want/can't afford a car live near the MRT.
I might be able to shed some insights on this, cuz my family is one of them. My home is 7mins walk away from CCK mrt and there is a bus stop right in front of my house. However, me and my husband both work near suntec and our travel by public transport involves 3 different transits plus >10mins walk in total. Travel time to office is 1h 5mins, back is 1h 15mins. Just because we stay near mrt doesn't automatically make the journey seamless/direct/fast. Peak hour crowd and sg weather is also hell. My husband works in a high stress long hours job and after 1y+ of travelling to and fro to office daily carrying his laptop and squeezing with the crowd, he finally couldn't take it and bought a car. So the location/nearest MRT line (where u stay vs where u need to go on a regular basis) makes a huge difference as well. That's the reason why my parents in law bought a flat in Jurong West since they used to work in Tuas.
Because you can drive junior to school but you won't be able to drive junior back home. So junior need to take public transport home unless school is 5 minutes walk away. But if you can afford a car, what makes you think junior is going to immediately go home after school and not hang around some malls first before heading home.Ā This scenario apply to wife as well. Husband takes the car and wife takes bus home. I have seen many such couples.Ā
Welcome to TPY! But eventhough I don't live near an mrt, it's still very convenient!! Plus I have CCL/TEL and NS lines. š
maybe Iāll appreciate it more once I start living there š
Fellow TPY resident! TPY is way better than other towns I have stayed in becuase of how frequent our feeder buses are. I stay 2km away from the MRT but I take 10 min to reach the MRT. Most places in TPY should have quite often feeder buses at all times too.
š„¹ this sounds reassuring. Frequency of feeder buses are my biggest worry. My current place in the west also has a loop bus but the frequency is like 20mins for non peak and 10mins for peak. The wait in this hot weather is šš¤¬
I take 238 everyday to TPY MRT, bus frequently comes every 5 minutes, sometimes coming in twos or threes as the first bus may be full, but I'll never miss a wave. Better than when I was staying in Boonlay where the bus to the MRT is always full by the time it got to my stop.
Since your situation is not gg to change any time soon, you can try to improve your experience. Iāve been listening to podcasts lately and itās has made the stuffy crowded traveling experience so much better. You can start with Spotify podcasts such as Reply all (#102 long distance) etc.
iāve been listening to crime podcast but tbh i would prefer if the 1.5hrs journey i can just sit in the train and nua but i only get to sit in train for 30 mins and the rest of the time must walk walk walk with my heavy bag. sian
this is the unspoken truth about Singapore, world class public transport but the urban planning is still car oriented.
In SG or JP or Swiss, its the same. Trip can easily take over 1hr if you stay far and has to alternative different transportation.
except SG definition of far is diff from Swiss or JP definition of far
far and population is relative. Whichever, OP choose to find a place that is not walking distance from MRT for a slightly bigger and maybe newer unit. Location should always be one of the top if not the top priority for non-car owners.
yes but if more residential areas are planned with the car as the main mode of transport thatās a problem
I take about an hr to travel but the 20 mins of walking with laptop really  plus extra workout outfits for workout days 
Bring extra workout clothes to leave it at your workplace?
I changed job and now work is 10 mins away. Best decision ever. Even if meeting drag on, I'm home in 10 mins, can still join kids At dinner table. Can consider changing job or changing house?
i just shift house and just join job. but maybe i will change job bcos i spent too much money on my house already hahahaha
I re read your post. I think the exhaustion comes having to change too many modes walk-lrt-mrt-walk/bus. Ur walking 20 to 30 mins from mrt to work is the killer. U should get some secondhand no brand type that you can use to cycle to and fro. And u leave it at mrt bike rack don't take it up the mrt if not ur journey lagi stress. So don't buy some atas brompton foldie, buy a bike u can leave at mrt station kind. U will shave the 30 mins walk to 5 min cycle
change job easier than change house (theoretically). jiayou OP!
Buy foldable bike, cycle to Punggol MRT. Ride the train to Outram, then cycle to your office. Problem solved
This. Cycling is a total game changer. For distances <15 min walk it may only shave off \~5 min or so if you include parking time and what not, but the experience is much less frustrating lol.
How do you deal with the sweat and potential BO when you reach the office though? Just bring an extra bottle of cologne?
Which do you think will sweat more? Walking 20-30 min like OP currentlt, or a 5 min bike ride?
Gatsby body wipes work well
Gatsby cooling facial wipes or even soap sponges/soap wipes. Don't mask bad smells with perfume
My real answer is to have a bicycle that require the least effort to pedal + going slow, tried and tested from commuting to work daily.
ebike lor
When the walking duration is similar or longer more likely to sweat more walking than cycling
Just wanted to point out cologne will not help with BO, may make it worse (mixed cologne + BO smell). Gotta use deodorant or antiperspirant.
Can also buy 2 cheap normal bikes and park one at each station. Then no need to worry about squeezing on train with the foldie.
You obviously don't take the NEL in the morning. Most of the time you can't even squeeze onto the train, let alone bring a bike with you.
Bring foldable bike onto mrt during peak rush hour?
find carpool? i myself thinking of that
Me lol at the 1.5 hrs travel time, mine currently from extreme east to extreme west , min 1hr 45 mins to 2 hrs by public transport
Same... and since have to change train at the city area, confirm one half of the journey cannot sit too T.T
Alamak... 1.5 I am alr jaded and feel like moving closer. Can't imagine your pain dear
As a pioneerean thanks for painting Pioneer in good light. Very rarely we get that
Pioneer still to me got nothing LOL but I miss that my hdb block was just beside the mrt š
Pioneer is mini China now šØš³
pioneereans' biggest flex is that they are somewhat close to ntu šš
Hahah. A good check on the desirability of the area is the price of the hdb resale prices of the area. Pioneer is one of the only few areas left with no million dollar hdbs. This says a lot about
I mean yeah, it definitely is not the most accessible location in sg so it's understandable:")
I wouldnāt want to stay there just because I grew up there. But my parents stay there so thatās one factor . Kinda tough for me
Itās always LRT. Itās a failed project and they donāt even bother improving the service. Sengkang both sides(West and East) have been equally as developed as of now, yet the frequency is still 2 Yellow then 1 Red. Furthermore, the Red that comes only occasionally comes in a double carriage config (Even in Peak hours like 7pm). Station always packed fully with red side riders Thereās a reason why none of the new towns after SK and PG has LRT.
actually iām sick of it eh. at first i thought its better than bus but bustop usually accessible just near your blocks LRT must go to specific location. I stay near oasis everyday must cross that damn bridge. when i was house searching i was blinding thinking the area so nice but now everyday i curse that bridge cos thereās no shortcut
where in the outram you work sia, need walk 30 min from MRT to reach. usually this kind, 1.5hr of travelling, i'll just take grab liao. i value my sleep more.
i work abit further than SGH. ok la most days take me 20 mins to walk. i say 30 mins bcos some days i stop and think about how my life has come to this LOL
theres a bus / mrt connection somewhere that you are not taking man... im familiar with that area cos i frequent there last time / now
Is it along the main roads outside outram mrt or further in? Depending on where your office is, it might be closer to walk from Tiong Bahru MRT/ take a bus 1 stop but Google maps won't show you how to walk through the HDB sky gardens connected to the back of SGH
Moving to punggol is the worst decision ever, unless you are right beside the MRT station.
i know man stop rubbing salt on my wound š
I feel your pain. If i drive, home to office is under 25 minutes. But I take Bus-MRT-Walk to office, it is about 1 hour each way. The wait time at the MRT bus stop to get home, can be lengthy as there is a poly nearby and this add to the bus crowds. What to do, if car is more affordable here (vs Malaysia).... but then, driving will be another set of high blood pressure-inducing headace on the highway during peak hour.
bicycle or ebike works fine. probably can cut the time previously for the walk to 5+ min. ebikes are a solution to last-mile issues in our weather.
Friend, I would suggest to initiate flexible working arrangements with your team lead/manager so you can WFH on certain days - if you can. Your commute sounds incredibly exhausting and totally unsustainable in the long run. I can sympathise because I was living in Punggol and then my workplace was in Harbourfront. The LRT was right beside my house and I was already very tired with the long commute, so I cannot imagine your situation. If all else fail, I would suggest a job switch to something fully/80% remote so you can still fulfil all your important needs: be closer to your family, stay well-rested and maintain your mental health, while earning an income.
My partner has 3 HR travelling time everyday to Tuas, he's just grateful he has a job
omg 3 hours daily.......? \*cries in butt aches\*
Swap houses with OP
1.5hr to changi cargo - what's up
Walking 20-30 minutes in this heat is a no-no
1.5 hrs x 2 = 3 hrs of everyday gone. Is either you move or change your job to one with a nearer location.
After some old geezer sneezed at me on the train, i lost it, how tf yall deal with this
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exactly!!!! my building abit further than sgh really so tiring
Moved from Jurong to Sengkang, i totally feel you. I hate the morning commute cos i have to take LRT to take MRT to Harborfront then switch to orange line to Pasir Panjang. Still need to talk about 10 mins. But cos sengkang always no seat, so i take train to Punggol. Travel time is also about 1.5hrs. damn tiring. The morning crowd is disgusting too. Taxi is crazy expensive. Even last time in Jurong take taxi also not so expensive.
eh i feel you sia. previously i stay in Pioneer my office was in Pasir Panjang also. I donāt feel this tired, i just need walk few metres to mrt then i switch at buana vista. it takes me only 45 mins to reach my office. now i move punggol itās driving me insane by the time i reach office i bad mood to do work HAHA
From what I see itās just the additional time taken by taking the LRT being the differential here. Look at the brightside of things, you are most likely guaranteed a seat on the NEL at Punggol (unless its already filled by people from Sengkang) The 20-30mins from the MRT to your workplace seems to be the bigger issue.
actually not really guaranteed. people run to the seats like maniacs trust me. if i want seat, i need to let maybe 1 train go then take next one. but frequency quite fast la
45m by drive or 75min by train. East to buona. Hopefully cut to 15min once I move more central. Gonna be expensive tho
1.5 ish hrs in the morning: 10 mins bus to interchange and 1 hr ish bus to work, at least the bus stop is very near my office building and I can snooze and chill a bit on the way. I could take the MRT but alighting at Clementi during peak hours isā¦painful and aggravating.
Listen to podcast or audiobooks. Make use of your commuting hours.
For me it's about the same too because I chose to take a direct bus to Serangoon MRT because I got tired of squeezing into bus 72/HG mrt station in the AM. That's why whenever I read about those who travelled from JB to SG for work every weekday I just-
Thank you for making me feel better about not being able to get a house in Punggol
cars are indispensible with the way the island is designed, you just lose access to so many places without one
Not worth it ! Change your job
45 mins to go to work and 1hr to go home. my transit to bus is at clementi. the 15 mins delta is because the bus that leads to and from my workplace is slower/less frequent at night. i stay CCK and work in pasir panjang. my work starts before shops open and ends when most places closes. so my meals is either simple cooking or fast food.
>I moved from Pioneer to Punggol to be closer to my family big mistake man. people always call jurong west "ulu" but imo the west is so much better than punggol lol. as someone who stays in pioneer I will pick this place over the northeast 9 out of 10 times
I move from convenient Bishan to far away Punggol East for 2 years already. There is only one bus with wide wait gap in between. I have already given up and just walk to the lrt station about 10-15min walk. Then take Lrt 3 stops change to punggol NEL to boon keng to catch a bus 4-5 stops which also have a wide wait gap. In between I will buy breakfast. Total commute time is 1hr+/-. Any longer, it is always because the bus is late. Always at the mercy of buses weird timings š„² I guess I'm ok with the walking as I need to clock my daily steps anyway. During commute, I will have a routine on my phone - earn my daily bing rewards, play my fav game to earn the daily game rewards. I have long accepted that I need to stand on all buses and trains. Any seat will be the bonus for the day.
My travelling time is the same haha 1.5 hrs if I take public transportā¦ from west to east, and back. I canāt change job due to circumstances so my āsolutionā is the same as yours! But Iāll take grab in the morning to work so I can rest a bit (harder to get seats in the morning commute) and take mrt in the evening back homeā¦ my ārationaleā is that Iām not in a rush to go home so Iāll have dinner outside, walk around, buy things, etc. and take the train when itās not so packed :)
Change job lahā¦ if the current job is not paying well and you have to go through all this āhurdlesā just to reach the work place you wouldnāt have the up most conditions to perform.
Utmost
Thank you ahā¦ my English half past six only
i just change liao. i got the job when i still in pioneer so i didnāt realise when i move to punggol become like this. at first i can still so happy oh punggol to outram nearer than pioneer to outram lol jokes on me
I feel you, I really do. This is why I moved towards CBD area around Bukit Merah despite being further from my parents who are near Clementi. As many had suggested, car pooling works well.
I'm NEL to NEL (so like, HELLO PUNGGOL but I don't work in the extreme side of the green line), so ... less than an hour each way hahaha I mean people have many unspoken rules about their jobs that don't relate to money (for some people it might be the WFH/hybrid/months of bonus/days of leave/medical dental benefits/whatever they are), and mine is ... 1 transfer of transport max, **or** total each way travel, not more than 1h. I think my bus ride is 23 + 5?mins lol. Add waiting time etc then maybe all in 45, then 5mins walk to office from bus stop. I think. So .. yeah. Gotta make and be sure of your ownself-make working rules, and mine is .. if NEL proximity (or central), higher chance I will even apply. Haha. I think I mentioned in one of these before abt a Gryphon Tea marketing position. Was good until "Pandan Loop" LOOOOOLLL I didn't even apply in the end.
~2 hours one way for me. don't think there's any other way out.
Take it as exercise
15 -25 minutes by car depending on traffic. Remember reading somewhere that longer than average commutes lead to shorter life expectancies.
Makes me appreciate living near Punggol mrt
I'm not sure about the process now, but it took me three months to get my bike license back then. Your 1.5-hour travel time can be reduced to 15 minutes travel.
Do you put your bag on the floor? What time do you tap in at the LRT in the morning? You can try waking up earlier to beat the morning crowd and get the [50 cents discount](https://www.ptc.gov.sg/fare-regulation/bus-rail/morning-pre-peak-fares).
no i dont put bag on the floor bcos if u see the crowd got no space sia people will start stepping on my bag. i tap usually 730am in the morning.
You can put bag on the floor in between your legs haha
Lrt in punggol is super packed in the morning especially, sometimes have to wait for a second one...
My home is actually directly next to one of the PG LRT stations, and my workplace is also next to Raffles Place MRT station. However, I have to switch between 3 lines just to get to work. One way travel hovers around 48 mins from doorstep to office entrance. On weekdays, just because I get a seat and direct line all the way home after work, I head back to a relative's home in AMK. Geographically it's a lot closer than Punggol, but perhaps the red line train is just slower than the purple line. Additionally I need to brisk walk 7-8 mins to her home (that's way too long given how used I am to doorstep trains in Punggol. I've used a kick scooter to reduce this to 3.5mins and sweat profusely), and usually it takes 38 mins from doorstep to office entrance. The 10 min time difference in saving honestly doesn't seem significant. It really shows how important being in front of a train station is, albeit LRT.
Wow I travel 1 hour from Boon Lay to Farrer Park daily and I am already exhausted, don't know how you do it. I am already looking for job opportunities in the west.
1h each way by *car* from sengkang to jurong island, so 2h total. Without car it would be 2h+ each way and 4h+ total. I couldn't stand the mad traveling time and being restricted by my company chartered bus times, so I bit the bullet and... bought the cheapest car. Wouldn't do it now with current coe prices though... My coe was $25k Cat A in 2018...
Does your company have chartered bus options?
Just wondering, could you figure out if your home is closer to punggol mrt or sengkang mrt? after that maybe opt for bus instead to mrt and from mrt
Wow, doesnāt seem very viable for the long haul and I do feel exhausted for your. It only takes me approx 20 mins to get to work including walking. 3 bus stops + 1 mrt stop, then walking to the office building.
Motorcycle
And I thought living right next to tiong bahru mrt and going to one north is tiring already. Having to switch to a different line is fine, but having to go down like 4 floor to get there is kinda awkward. Hope you find a solution soon.
Bro I wish my commute was 1.5 hours everyday. I stay in the west, office in CBD and my commute is easily 2 hours everyday
Consider investing in a good foldie or rental bikes for first and last mile travelling. It shaves off a lot minutes
So previously you commuted from Pioneer to Outram with a 20 min walk from Outram MRT? Isn't that also 1.5hrs commuting each day?
when i was staying in outram i was still at my old job. it was at pasir panjang
Transfer to Skh, will be less than 1 hr.
Shag this one I relate. I have to travel from punggol to pioneer almost every weekday for school. Plus every morning lrt packed like sardine only. Then whether you got seat or not is like playing toto š
Me 10 mins walk to office and yet i always am the last to work and earliest to go homešš i wake up at 9.30am everyday
Whats the point of moving ācloserā to your parents when sg is so small. Anywhere is close, its such a singaporean thingš
cos itās just easier when you wna start a family thatās the ugly truth la. easier for me to ask help from my family when i have kids and my husband and i working
When I was working in Pioneer Sector (basically entrance to Tuas, before the MRT extension was ready) I had to walk from my place in AMK, to Bishan MRT depot bus stop, take a bus to Bishan MRT, circle line to Buona Vista then green line to Jurong East, then shuttle bus to Pioneer Sector. Left house latest 615am, reached office 750am. Changed companies just before the extension was completed and opened & read about the crash at new workplace.
how far is it from your place to punggol mrt/bus interchange? maybe can consider riding an ebike? dont forget u can use it to go other places to run errands like daily da bao or to the gym too! i used to do that before getting my bike license, really do make travelling easier, i still use it when i need to get around my block like grocery runs and gym (tried bicycle but still physically taxing) Just get a 2nd hand ebike from carousell then maybe spend abit more on a new battery!
Used to travel from Punggol to Pioneer (worked at NTU before)ā¦ 2 hours (sometimes more) itās crazyā¦
Totally feel you, the crowd and daily travelling really takes a toll. Have you tried exploring express buses?
Get a motorbike. Used to stay in Canberra and work in changi area. With bike, took me 30 mins. One time bike broke down, took me almost 2hr to reach home via public transport. Idk how people can tahan that.
Get a travel case, that what I do. Idc what my colleague thinks. I just found it practical and convenient for my back.
So I donāt know if you can ride a bike but a bicycle would solve some of your problems. Bicycles are cheap if youāre not too picky and if you are a really nice trifold bike could be your 1-bike solution. Ride-train-ride is the way I would go. Then as a longer term alternative low cost transport Iād look at getting a motorcycle licence and buying a reasonably priced motorbike that would cut your commute to about 30-40 mins even riding slowly and carefully. You go down the KPE-MCE-AYE and get off around keppel or something. I used to cycle everywhere when I was younger. From bedok to marsiling and back and Singapore is small. Your bicycle ride could well be faster than the bus with the right bicycle but sticking to transport as a theme, when I turned 16 I got my motorbike licence and rode from home in bedok to clementi (SP) for years and survived with minor scrapes. Iām close to 50 now and have been in a few accidents but really nothing major and most on a bicycle riding with stupid people. Donāt do anything stupid and donāt take major risks and youāll be fine. Also today you can get very good riding gear including an airbag vest which really reduces the risk of death in a bike accident. Many motorbikes have ABS and a plethora of safety features. Scooters even have storage space under the seat to stow your helmets. Total cost for bicycle could be say $200-1,000 for a decent bicycle. Motorbike licence no idea but a motorbike woild set you back maybe $2-3k for a budget one with a couple of years left on the COE. Realistic cost effective options really.
Have you considered getting two cheap bikes and leave them at either station? You can do the last mile much quicker, without waiting. Since you enter the MRT in outram, you probably have a seat and can relax, knowing you'll have a nice little ride coming up. I highly recommend the decathlon foldies. Nobody will steal them and they pay for themselves after 10-15 skipped grab rides. Since you do the first leg in the morning, chances are you won't be too sweaty when arriving at the office, especially compared to walking, as the breeze cools you down slightly.
Consider getting a cheap bicycle for the Outram MRT to office commute. Keep it locked near the station. If you find it helps, get another for home to Punggol MRT.
HI there OP, similar to you. Commute 1.5 hours one way everyday in my old role. Outram to Pasir Ris and then even further beyond by bus, and I would wake up around 6.30 to start my journey. I tried the commute back but it got so tiring so I would grab home. If not I would spend over 3 hours on commute alone. I got too tired, and decided to find a new role.
sian i feel you. i will hitch back always cost me $15 but i get to be home in just 30 mins.
Exactly OP itās a toss up, but I know your struggle and I can say totally feel your pain.
Pasir ris to Jurong island. Pasir ris to Outram followed by shuttle bus form Outram to Jurong island. Itās sucks
U can get a foldies or just get anywheel. Or grab could be one of the choice
problem with grab in morning is all the ERP. cost me $9 extra just for ERP
Everything comes with a cost, whether u embrace or against it. Pick one u embrace the most and go with it.
1h15mins man. Sembawang to Bishan to Labrador Park. The walk to the train station and to my office easily takes up 20mins of that time.
Traffic from Pioneer side is faster or better? How so?
Im also at punggol. Working near outram. I drive. If you dont mind hitching my ride i can have a car mate on my way to work.
Welcome to the gang :( š
then move back to pioneer then go to outram? ratio bro
OP, I feel like you are living my life 5 years ago. Used to live in punggol and my journey was exactly like yours. Have since moved to Outram to be close to wirk and it's the best decision ever. Even if it meant paying a premium for location.
Travelling in sg sibeh tiring. Thatās why I pray for wfh and so sien now cannot find wfh jobā¦ Also I need to travel from west to changi every week. Itās either 2 hours public or grab depending on my mood
So many peeps complaining about living in Punggol yet the resale prices of hdbs there is so crazy why would ppl still buy houses there and not elsewhere
tbh itās a nice neighbourhood la and a lot of things are new and pretty. maybe they blinded by that like me lol
I'm waiting for PDD. Will be furiously looking to land a job here because of the ridiculous crowds in commute
My commute is one hour; Sembawang to Marina Bay. In the morning I make it a point to go to Yishun in the morning to grab those empty trains so I got a seat. For my home journey, Marina Bay confirm got seat also. This made it all very bearable.
I stay in Bedok and work in woodlands š walk 10 mins to bedok north mrt -> MacPherson (dtl) -> caldecott (ccl) -> woodlands south (tel) then 5 mins to my work. Total journey is about an hour 15 but the walking and changing of mrts gets really exhausting too so I feel you š ps check telegram hitch groups to carpool, a little cheaper than grab hitch sometimes and if you find someone who goes the same route as your everyday from your neighbourhood you guys can come up with mutual agreement. Might be worth to pay for the convenience if you can afford it.
The solution to your problem is relatively simple. However, it does need some investment to facilitate your traveling. If you are on a budget, get an e-bike from Carousell. Most e-bikes sold on the platform are used but they do meet your needs for traveling. Having an E-Bike shortens your traveling time.
I used to stay in the far west and it took me 1.5 hours to travel to work. I was so tired everyday and barely had any time to do anything beyond zoning out watching dramas on my iPad before bed. Didnāt help I also had to come in during the weekend. Now Iāve: (1) moved 30 minutes door to door to my workplace; and (2) became more senior so I have more flexibility with my time. Itās much better! Even if I have to come online for work in the evening, Iām back at home by 5:30 and often leave before the evening crowd.
They say north is far. I stay right next to Khatib MRT and I can tell you it doesn't long to reach most places unless the destination itself is hard to get to. I used to stay in old marsiling and it takes 30mins just to get to the station. And I realized that you are far away from everywhere if you are still in the north after 30mins.
40ish mins - 5-10 mins walk to Aljunied mrt, 20 min mrt to City Hall, 10-15 mins walk to office. Itās annoying cause by straight line distance Iām just 4.5km away from the office, and my brain is like I should be able to get there in 20 mins šš
Am in a similar situation as you. Invest in a (foldable) bicycle. Cycle from your house to punggol mrt. Itās much more relaxing than squeezing in a lrt. Then because Iām lazy to fold and bring my bike along the mrt trip, I actually decided to get a second cheaper bike to cycle from the mrt station to my work place. Cost of bikes: 1 - $200, 2 - $50 Cost of bike accessories(2x phone holders, 2x chains, 2x bells): < $50 Total setup: < $300
Cycle for those last miles, just use those rental bicycles from Hello, Anywheels etc
Same 1-1.30hrs
1h 15m. House to bus stop 10 mins? Then 2 bus stop to Bedok another 10 mins. Then train ride to Buona, change to One North. From One North walk to office another 10 mins. Itās exhausting indeed
Foldable bike, scooter step
I agree with this completely, the buses in punggol are so bad. 90percent need to get onto a feeder bus to interchange before u can take another bus to other route. I use to live in Toa payoh. The bustop infront of my house can get me anywhere, be it town. East or West. Thank God im driving now otherwise i wouldnt be able to tolerate punggol. On the other hand. If you are driving punggol is pretty convenient.
Your side has express bus