As public transport fares go up, so too must reliability and service standards

JUST three days before Singaporeans ring in the new year and the start of a new decade, public transport commuters will have to fork out 7 per cent more in fares when they take the bus or MRT. This works out to nine cents more for adult bus and train fares, and four cents extra for students, seniors, those with disabilities, and low-wage workers.

The fare hike - set to take place on the morning of Dec 28 - is the sharpest percentage increase since 1998 and also the maximum allowable fare adjustment quantum for this latest fare review exercise based on a new fare formula.

The nine-cent increase in adult card fares will affect as many as 3.2 million daily trips, or about two in three journeys. One of every two commuters, however, will pay no more than four cents more per trip once the increase is implemented. And for the first time, polytechnic students will get to enjoy student concession rates.