Public Transport Fare Hike, 6% Fare Increase Starting on 28/12/2024

The Public Transport Council (PTC) has approved a 6.0% fare increase for the 2024 Fare Review Exercise (FRE), set to take effect on Dec. 28, 2024. Despite the increase, the adjustment is only a third of the maximum allowable quantum of 18.9%, with the remaining quantum deferred, supported by additional government subsidies.

Fare Adjustments

Adult commuters will see an increase of 10 cents per journey.
Concession card holders, including students and seniors, will have a smaller increase of 4 cents per journey, benefiting approximately 2 million individuals.
Monthly passes for frequent public transport users will remain unchanged to help commuters manage costs.

To address affordability concerns, the Government will provide an additional subsidy of $250 million in 2024, on top of existing subsidies of $2 billion annually and the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme funding of up to $900 million over eight years.

Support for Graduating Students

Starting Dec. 28, 2024, the PTC will extend the student concession validity period to four months after course completion, benefiting around 75,000 students annually. This change is aimed at easing the financial burden for students transitioning between educational stages or entering the workforce.

Graduating students can extend their concession cards at MRT ticketing machines or bus interchanges from Oct. 1, 2024. Educational institutions will inform students about the update.

Targeted Assistance for Lower-Income Households

PTC has directed SBS Transit Rail and SMRT Trains to contribute $13.01 million of their expected increased revenue to the Public Transport Fund, which supports Public Transport Vouchers (PTVs) for lower-income households. These vouchers will help cushion the impact of the fare increase.

Balancing Affordability and Sustainability

The fare increase reflects efforts to maintain a balance between affordability and financial sustainability of the public transport system. While energy prices have decreased from their 2022 peak, operating costs remain elevated due to wage growth and inflation.

The deferred fare quantum, accumulated over the past two years due to moderated increases, will be reduced from 15.6% to 12.9%. Future reviews will consider this deferred amount alongside other cost factors.

Chairperson Ms. Janet Ang emphasized the importance of gradual adjustments to minimize commuter impact while ensuring the system’s sustainability. The PTC remains committed to protecting concession groups and ensuring public transport affordability.

Comments

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...

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...

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...

LaKopiNews.com

Search This Blog