DTL3: Let those travelling longer route pay less

I refer to the letter “Why is there no interchange station at DTL3 intersection?” (June 19).

If two train passengers were to board at Rochor station, and Passenger A alights at Jalan Besar station while Passenger B alights at Downtown station, it would be unfair for the former to pay a higher fare.

Similarly, if two passengers board two different bus services at the same bus stop and alight at the same destination, but one bus route is more direct, it would be unfair for the other passenger to pay more.

In both examples, the straight-line distance between the starting point and the destination would be a fairer fare system.

In fact, fares for the longer route should be cheaper, to compensate for the extra journey time, while those who get to save time because of a direct route should pay more.

A fairer system would motivate public transport providers to offer more direct routes to help passengers reduce their travelling time, instead of cutting costs by adding longer routes to reduce the number of services.