Singapore's bustling streets and rising car ownership costs make maintaining a vehicle an increasingly expensive affair. Fortunately, Singapore is well-equipped for a car-free lifestyle, offering efficient public transport, car sharing services, and other convenient alternatives. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the island, transitioning to a car-free lifestyle can be a smart and sustainable choice. In this guide, by Drive lah we’ll explore five tips to help you navigate Singapore without a car, making your life easier, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
1. Embrace Public Transport
Singapore’s public transport system is one of the most efficient and reliable in the world. With an extensive network of buses, MRT lines, and even taxis, commuting without a car is incredibly straightforward.
Benefits:
Cost Savings: By opting for public transport, you can save significantly on fuel, car maintenance, insurance, parking fees, and road tax. Owning a car in Singapore often means dealing with the high cost of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which can add tens of thousands to car ownership expenses.
Environmental Impact: Public transport is far more eco-friendly than driving. By using buses or the MRT, you reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment and helping alleviate Singapore’s traffic congestion.
Additionally, Singapore’s government has committed to expanding and upgrading the public transport network, making it even more reliable and accessible. With an EZ-Link card or contactless payment options, commuting has never been more hassle-free.
2. Consider Cycling or Walking for Short Distances
For shorter distances, cycling or walking is not only a practical option but also a healthier one. Singapore’s tropical climate may seem daunting at first, but with the increasing number of cycling paths and park connectors, this is becoming a popular alternative to driving.
Benefits:
Health: Regular cycling or walking improves cardiovascular health, boosts fitness levels, and provides an excellent way to stay active. Whether you’re running errands or heading to work, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine has lasting health benefits.
Cost Savings: Unlike car ownership, cycling and walking have zero maintenance costs. No need for fuel, repairs, or insurance—just grab your bike or sneakers and go.
Environmental Impact: Both cycling and walking are eco-friendly alternatives that produce zero emissions. Choosing these options helps reduce the overall demand for fossil fuels and keeps the air cleaner in a densely populated city like Singapore.
Tip: If you’re serious about cycling, invest in a quality bike that’s suited for your commute. Ensure you have essential safety gear like helmets and lights, and follow traffic regulations to stay safe on Singapore’s roads.
3. Utilize Car Sharing and Rental Services
While you may not need a car for everyday use, there will be times when having one is more convenient—such as for road trips or heavy-duty errands. That’s where car sharing and rental services come in. These services allow you the convenience of a car without the long-term financial commitment.
Benefits:
Cost Efficiency: With car sharing services like Drive lah, you only pay for a vehicle when you need it. This is far more economical than owning a car, where costs like COE, insurance, and maintenance persist even when your car sits unused.
Flexibility: Whether you need a vehicle for a few hours or a few days, Drive lah offers flexible rental options tailored to your needs. With access to a wide variety of cars, you can pick the perfect vehicle for any occasion.
Extra Income: If you own a car but don’t use it regularly, you can rent it out on Drive lah to earn extra income. By sharing your car with others, you can offset the costs of ownership and reduce the financial burden.
Car sharing not only helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road but also supports a sustainable and economical way of living. It’s a win-win for both car owners and renters.
4. Optimize Your Lifestyle for Car-Free Living
Photo by Wendell Fernandes on Unsplash
Living without a car in Singapore may require a few lifestyle adjustments, but these changes can make your daily routine simpler and more cost-effective.
Changes to Consider:
Live Close to Work: One of the easiest ways to optimize your life for car-free living is to live near your workplace. By reducing your commute, you save time and money while enjoying a better work-life balance.
Shop Locally: Supporting local businesses not only contributes to the community but also minimizes the need to travel long distances for everyday essentials. Consider frequenting neighborhood stores and markets to cut down on unnecessary trips.
Telecommute: Remote work is becoming increasingly common, and many jobs allow for flexible telecommuting options. Working from home or a nearby co-working space reduces the need for daily commutes, saving both time and transportation costs.
By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy the perks of a car-free lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.
5. Understand the Financial Benefits of Going Car-Free
The financial benefits of not owning a car in Singapore are immense. Let’s break it down:
Cost Comparison:
Owning a Car: With high COE prices, car depreciation, insurance, road tax, and ongoing maintenance, owning a car in Singapore can quickly drain your savings. Even if you only drive occasionally, these fixed costs remain constant, adding financial pressure.
Car Sharing: By comparison, car sharing allows you to pay only for the time you use a vehicle. This means no ongoing maintenance, COE, or insurance costs—just flexible access to a car when you need it.
Environmental Impact:
Lower Carbon Emissions: With fewer cars on the road, we can reduce overall carbon emissions. Opting for car sharing services and public transport reduces the number of vehicles in use, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Reduced Traffic Congestion: A decrease in car ownership means fewer vehicles on the road, leading to shorter travel times and less congestion. This creates a more efficient transport system for everyone.
Why Choose Drive lah?
If you need occasional access to a vehicle, Drive lah is your go-to platform for car sharing in Singapore. Here's why:
Choice: Drive lah offers a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs, whether you’re going on a road trip or running errands.
Flexibility: With short-term and long-term rental options, you can rent a car only when you need it, without the ongoing costs of ownership.
Peace of Mind: Drive lah provides comprehensive insurance and a reliable community of trusted renters and owners, ensuring safety and security for everyone involved.
Extra Income: If you’re a car owner, Drive lah allows you to share your vehicle and earn extra money, helping to offset the high costs of car ownership in Singapore.
Conclusion
Living car free in Singapore is not only possible but also economical, healthy, and environmentally friendly. By embracing public transport, cycling, car sharing, and optimizing your lifestyle, you can enjoy all the benefits of a hassle-free life without the financial strain of owning a car.
For those times when you do need a car, Drive lah offers a flexible and affordable solution, providing a wide selection of vehicles and a secure platform for both renters and owners. So whether you're ready to ditch your car or just want to reduce your driving, Singapore has the infrastructure to support your car-free lifestyle.
Also read:
Why Car Sharing is the Future of Urban Living in Singapore
Car Sharing in Singapore: A Smart Solution to Combat Traffic Congestion
Maximize Your Car: Guide Car Owners to Earn Money through Car Sharing
