SINGAPORE: As bars along the bustling Singapore River extend their hours, partygoers are left in a bind—no late-night public transport to get home!

In an exciting move, a year-long pilot program kicked off on August 18, allowing bars in Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Upper Circular Road to keep the party going until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. This initiative is part of a wider government strategy to breathe new life into the city’s nightlife scene.

However, this new nightlife freedom comes alongside a significant hitch: late-night public transport services remain absent, following their discontinuation in June 2022 due to poor utilization.

When confronted about this, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) revealed that trains and buses already operate for 18 hours a day, from 6 AM to midnight. They emphasized the difficulty in justifying the costs of extending these services for the late-night crowd, which makes up a mere fraction of riders.

The Nightlife Economy at a Crossroads

Industry advocates stress that enhancing transport access is crucial for supporting nightlife growth. Danny Loong, president of the Singapore Nightlife Business Association, highlighted that improved late-night transport could foster a safer, vibrant nightlife.

Despite positive member feedback during the pilot, industry challenges such as transport access, rising expenses, and staffing shortages remain pressing issues.

The Debate: Viability vs Demand

Economist Walter Theseira weighed in, explaining that late-night services often struggle with cost-effectiveness due to higher operating needs. Even with increased fares, these services might not match the efficiency of daytime transport.

Edward Chia, a parliamentary committee member, noted that bus transport subsidies already exceed S$1 billion (US$778 million). To complicate matters, a driver shortage threatens to limit possible late-night service expansions.

Theseira pointed out that Singapore’s lack of late-night transport options stands out unfavorably compared to global hubs like London and New York. He encouraged exploring limited routes that could at least break even on costs.

Patrons Feel the Pain at Midnight

For nightlife enthusiasts, the absence of reliable public transport translates into soaring ride-hailing fees, particularly when surge pricing kicks in after hours. Vanessa Loh, a frequent late-night patron, bemoaned the lack of options and advocated for the reinstatement of the long-gone NightRider buses.

Young partygoers echo her sentiments. For instance, Quah Shi Han, who often spends weekends out until the early hours, shared how ride-hailing home can cost up to S$50, underlining affordability as a major concern.

Alternative Solutions in Transit?

The LTA has suggested that private bus operators could step in to establish late-night routes if demand exists. Moreover, initiatives from ride-hailing services are already in play, like TADA's promotional discounts for late-night rides.

CQ @ Clarke Quay is getting in on the action with Grab ride discounts during the wee hours of weekend nights, coupled with attractive dining and entertainment experiences.

Looking ahead, representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry are committed to collaborating with the nightlife sector to help it remain dynamic and responsive to evolving trends. Upcoming events like the sober-partying Funan mall’s For Real Fest 2025 illustrate how Singapore is innovating its nighttime culture.

As Singapore pushes forward, the integration of nightlife experiences with reliable transport options remains a vital conversation that could redefine the city's evening landscape!