Fare review: SMRT, SBS Transit respond to fare hike announcement

SINGAPORE — Public transport operators SMRT and SBS Transit have responded to the Public Transport Council’s (PTC) decision to raise bus and train fares by 3.2 per cent this year.

Outlining the increase in operating costs over the last three years, SBS Transit Chief Executive Gan Juay Kiat said the fare increase would “help to alleviate some of these cost pressures”.

He noted that SBS Transit’s bus operations have been experiencing losses since 2011.

“That said, we are aware that any increase in fares, however small, will have more of an impact on certain groups of commuters. To ensure that needy families are not severely impacted, we will contribute S$7.2 million to the Public Transport Fund to assist these needy commuters,” said Mr Gan.

He said the operator will continue to invest in new buses and has been adding more trips to its rail network to meet rising demand.

SMRT said the PTC “has made an attempt to achieve a balance between public affordability and the increased level of operational costs associated with the delivery of a safe, reliable and commuter-centric transport system”.

Adding that it supports the establishment of the Public Transport Fund, SMRT said: “We are continuing with our contributions to fare concessions for the various commuter groups as determined by the PTC.”