Skip to main content

Public Transport Fares to Increase by 10 Cents for Adults from December 28

 

Starting December 28, 2024, bus and train fares in Singapore will increase by 10 cents per journey for adult commuters, while concession card holders such as students, seniors, and people with disabilities will see a 4-cent increase per journey. There will be no fare changes for commuters using monthly passes. The overall fare hike is 6 percent, which is lower than last year's 7 percent increase.

To support low-income households, the government will provide public transport vouchers worth S$60, up from S$50 last year. The eligibility criteria have been expanded to include households with a monthly income of up to S$1,800 per person, allowing an additional 60,000 households to benefit.

Reasons for Fare Increase:

The Public Transport Council (PTC) attributed the fare increase to factors including core inflation, wage growth in 2023, and energy prices, which have dropped from their 2022 peak. The council’s fare adjustment formula allowed for an increase of 3.3 percent, but a deferred fare increase quantum from previous years of 15.6 percent raised the maximum allowable fare adjustment to 18.9 percent. However, the PTC opted for a 6 percent increase to lessen the impact on commuters.

PTC Chairperson Janet Ang explained that the deferred fare quantum is due to accumulated increases from past years driven by energy price spikes, high inflation, and wage growth. The current fare adjustment will reduce the deferred quantum from 15.6 percent to 12.9 percent for the next review.

To bridge the gap between fare costs and financial sustainability, the government will provide an additional subsidy of S$250 million in the coming year. This subsidy aims to moderate fare increases while accounting for the rising costs of public transport provision.

Both SBS Transit Rail and SMRT Trains had applied for the full 18.9 percent fare increase, citing cost pressures from inflation and slower recovery in ridership. While SBS Transit reported significant losses in its train segment, SMRT Trains recorded an operating profit of S$6.2 million, both with government support.

The PTC advises commuters who frequently use public transport to consider monthly passes to manage expenses. Additionally, there will be no changes in fares for commuters paying in cash.



Labels:
Location: Singapore

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...
Post a Comment
Read more

Queue-Cutting Toyota Raize Causes Chain Collision at Second Link

  Credit: Facebook@ 伟安 A Singapore-registered Toyota Raize was caught on video cutting the queue at the Second Link on Malaysia's side, sparking a chain collision on Dec. 24. The incident, which took place during peak traffic, highlights the dangers of reckless driving at border crossings. Incident Breakdown The Toyota Raize was seen traveling in the heavy vehicles lane before crossing over a double white line to join the congested car lane. Its sudden maneuver caused two other queue-cutting cars behind it to slow down sharply. This led to a lorry, which was traveling in the heavy vehicles lane, ploughing into the two cars. Smoke could be seen rising from the lorry following the impact, but the Toyota Raize appeared to escape unscathed and moved ahead. Meanwhile, the two cars involved in the collision were stopped. Reactions on Social Media The video of the incident drew widespread criticism. Commenters blamed the Toyota Raize for initiating the chain of events while also calling ...
Post a Comment
Read more