With the re-organisation, the three bus companies each served a different geographical sector.

SBS later evolved to become what we now know as SBS Transit Ltd.

The new name, introduced in 2001, reflected SBS Transit's role as a multi-modal operator of bus, MRT and LRT.

To improve travel time on buses, left-most lanes on major roads were designated for exclusive use by buses during peak hours.

Designated bus lanes have improved bus speeds by at least 15%. This means commuters can get to their destination faster.

Over the years, we have extended the use of this cost-effective measure. As at 2000, 120km of bus lanes were in operation.

This marked the start of a long-term strategy to use the more reliable and efficient MRT system to serve heavy transit corridors.

The idea for a rail system was mooted as far back as the 1960s. Find out more here.

The basic bus services run by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses Ltd formed the backbone of Singapore's bus network.

The basic bus services are supplemented by express and rapid services, premier services, night services and Scheme B services. These services help to meet commuting demands during peak hours.

The response to the opening of the MRT system was overwhelming. Within three weeks of operations, the millionth ride was recorded.

The PTC was established to balance the need to safeguard public interest and the financial viability of public transport operators.

The functions of the PTC include approving bus routes, regulating bus service standards and approving fares for scheduled bus services, the MRT and LRT services.

TransitLink is a service company set up by SBS Transit, SMRT Trains Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd to develop an integrated public transport system by bringing buses, the MRT and the LRT together as one comprehensive network.

The North South Line extends from Yishun to Marina Bay, while the East West Line stretches from Pasir Ris to Boon Lay and Choa Chu Kang.

This marked the start of an integrated ticketing system for our public transport network. Commuters need just one single stored-value card to travel on different public transport modes.

The magnetic farecard also paved the way for the introduction of transfer rebates. Commuters get to enjoy fare discounts when they transfer between bus and rail, and between different buses.

Noteworthy is the integrated transport facility concept in the MRT stations along the Woodlands Extension. Within the stations' premises are supermarkets, novelty shops, clinics, banks, and more. Commuters can thus run a few errands before heading for work or home.

Woodlands station is even integrated with Singapore's first underground interchange. This allows commuters to zip from one transport mode to another seamlessly.

Bendy buses have an additional exit for faster and more convenient alighting. Its carrying capacity is 144, highest among the fleet of all public bus operators.

With this formula, PTC helps ensure fare increases are done in small and regular steps. This is to avoid having sudden large increase in fares, which has a more adverse effect on commuters.

CPI refers to the change in Consumer Price Index, while X is the small percentage to account for various cost factors such as wage changes and productivity gains that will influence fares.

X has been fixed at 1.5% for 5 years from 2001 to 2005.

By deregulating fares, taxi companies can set their own fares. This gives operators more flexibility to respond to changes in market conditions.

Rain or shine, students from the Singapore Polytechnic, which is right next door to the station, can hop on to the rail network via a sheltered pedestrian overhead bridge.

The ez-link card system caters for the more complex requirements of an expanded public transport network.

The system automatically calculates and deducts fares from the card's stored value, and enables commuters to board the buses and pass through MRT fare gates faster.

Branching off from the East West Line, the MRT extension to Changi Airport also provides commuters with a quick and convenient passage to the Singapore Expo.

Read more about the Changi Airport Extension here.

Toa Payoh bus interchange does more than just let commuters wait for buses in air-conditioned comfort. It is also integrated with the underground MRT station and nearby shops and offices.

This allows commuters to zip from different modes of transport to and from home, office or shopping malls.

Fitted with barrier-free facilities like lifts and ramps, Dhoby Ghaut, Outram Park, Somerset, Novena, Tampines MRT stations are now more accessible to the disabled and the elderly.

Upgrading works for the rest of the older MRT stations have started and are expected to complete by 2005.

North-East Line, Asia's first fully automated underground system opens. Sengkang Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, the first integrating planning and development of a new town, also starts operations. Residents can make seamless transfers between bus and rail at this transport hub. The NEL and SKLRT bring the rail network to the north-eastern corridor of Singapore. It now only takes 20 minutes to travel from Sengkang to Orchard Road.

Building Atrium@Orchard directly above Dhoby Ghaut MRT station optimises land use, and increases the convenience and accessibility of public transport.

Station entrances come up directly into the large open lobby of the Atrium@Orchard. This grand lobby facing Orchard Road conveniently serves pedestrian traffic as well as commuters at the bus shelter.

With three new players vying for a market share in the taxi industry, commuters are assured of better services.

The seven players are:

• Citycab Pte Ltd
  
• Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd
  
• Premier Taxis Pte Ltd
  
• Smart Automobile Pte Ltd
  
• SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd
  
• Trans-Cab Services Pte Ltd
  
• Yellow Top Cab Pte Ltd

The QoS standards specify the taxi companies' performance in three areas, namely, the availability of taxis through radiophone bookings, safety, and customer satisfaction.

With the introduction of QoS, taxi commuters are made aware of the minimum level of service that they can expect from the taxi companies. If the companies are unable to meet the QoS, they will also be penalised accordingly.

1. The Station Upgrade project to retrofit existing MRT stations with barrier-free facilities was completed in August 2006. A total of 75 lifts were installed at 47 MRT stations along the North-South and East-West lines. Stations were also made more disabled-friendly with the erection of ramps, toilets for the disabled, handicapped drop-off points and a tactile guidance system for the visually impaired.

2. The first Wheelchair-Accessible Bus was launched in June 2006 to cater to people with commuters with special mobility needs. A total of nine Wheelchair-Accessible Bus services were launched.

After its successful trial along Orchard Road, the full-day bus lane scheme was launched in five more locations on 1 April 2007, together with the revision of bus lane operation hours. These new locations are Eu Tong Sen Street, Hill Street, Victoria Street, Bras Basah Road and Somerset Road / Penang Road.

LTA and Traffic Police win the prestigious Prince Michael Safety Award - Global Award for road safety.