SBS, SMRT apply for fare hikes - citing rising costs, lower profits

Singapore

BOTH SBS Transit and SMRT have submitted their application to the Public Transport Council (PTC) for fare adjustments, in the face of higher costs. In a press statement on Friday - the deadline for operators to submit their applications for fare reviews - SBS Transit said that it was seeking bus and rail fare adjustments "amid an environment of rising costs".

Although the PTC told BT that it has received fare applications from both public transport operators, when contacted, SMRT would only refer to its statement last month - when it said that it was aiming for "a better alignment of fares and operating costs". Citing rising operating costs and lower profits, it had said that it would be submitting an application for a fare review.