Minister hints at higher transport fares

Singapore

TRANSPORT Minister Khaw BoonWan said on Monday that the Government is currently subsidising more than 30 per cent of public transport operations, and indicated that higher fares would be necessary to keep subsidies in check.

"Between 2016 and 2017, the total cost of running the rail network has increased by around S$270 million," Mr Khaw told Parliament. "As the fares paid by commuters do not cover operating costs, the rail companies are operating at a loss. In the latest reported financial year, SMRT Trains incurred a loss of S$86 million. SBS Transit's train division also lost tens of millions of dollars."