SINGAPORE'S RIVER TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR MID 2002

Singapore's first-ever integrated river transport system is ready to set sail with the appointment of two riverboat operators, Singapore River Cruises & Leisure Pte Ltd, and the Singapore Explorer Pte Ltd.

Slated to commence from the middle of 2002, the river transport system will offer an alternative way to journey along the Singapore River. It will contribute to generating more traffic to the river district, and bring more activity to the area.

This is part of the larger plan to enhance and revitalise the significant district. The plan is being coordinated by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Said STB's Chief Executive, Mr Yeo Khee Leng: "The new transport system will allow an alternative mode of transport for Singaporeans and tourists. The increased mobility and accessibility, coupled with an exciting events calendar, are expected to increase human traffic and revive businesses along the river. We hope to inject vibrancy to this historical waterway and make the Singapore River a world class waterfront destination."

The river transport services will operate along the length of Singapore River from Kim Seng, to the New Merlion Park, servicing both banks of the river.

The operators will introduce a new feature to the waterways: custom-made, air-conditioned, glass-ceiling boats. These new vessels will be in addition to the familiar and existing bumboats and sampans (which will be refurbished).

A range of services and routes will be available. These include a loop, hop-on, hop-off transport service that plies along the entire waterway; river express services which take passengers to key attractions; river taxi services that ferry passengers to landing points of their choice; sightseeing leisure cruises with commentary; and *food and beverage cruises (*to commence in December 2002).

The new glass ceiling boats will be used for the express and loop services.

The two operators will be providing similar services but with variations. Singapore River Cruises & Leisure Pte Ltd will be servicing Route A, while Singapore Explorer will service Route B . The services will be at regular intervals, and the operating hours will be from 8am until 11.30pm daily. Prices for rides will start from S$2.00. Additionally, special river sightseeing cruises will be conducted for visitors and these can be combined with walking tours.

At the end of next year, food and beverage cruises will offer gourmets breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner on board, as well as more exotic rides like sunset champagne and wine cruises on board special cruise boats and yachts. Also in the pipeline are themed cruises for special occasions, including weddings, birthdays and festive parties, and 'pub-crawl' cruises.

The integrated river transport system will revolutionise the way of getting around the Singapore River district for residents and visitors. To enhance accessibility, a total of 18 landing points have been planned along the river. At most of these landing points, ticket kiosks, which also function as retail outlets selling refreshments, souvenirs, guidebooks, magazines and newspapers, will be set up by the operators.

Here, passengers can also wait for their boats as well as obtain tourist information.

The two operators will collaborate closely with the STB, other government agencies and members of the Singapore River Business Association to provide an alternative mode of transportation that is both safe and convenient for passengers.