Singapore: The Public Transport Commission (PTC) announced the first price increase for buses and trains in two years.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, after deciding not to raise the fare during last year’s fare review, PTC chose to grant a maximum allowable increase of 2.2% in this year’s review.
To understand what this means to you, read on to learn about fare changes.
Adult commuters
When the price increase starts on December 26th, adult commuters who pay with a card will pay an extra 3 cents for a journey within 14.2 kilometers and an additional 4 cents for a journey over 14.2 kilometers.
This means that adult commuters using travel cards will travel approximately 14.2 kilometers between Sengkang and Raffles Place Station, at a cost of S$1.67, which is higher than the current S$1.64.
At the same time, the itinerary from Boon Lay to Pasir Ris will increase from the current 2.13 SGD to the future 2.17 SGD.
Connecting services will also increase by 3 cents.
Students, senior citizens and people with disabilities
Students and the elderly, as well as the disabled and low-paid workers, belong to the group enjoying preferential fares.
Card fares for this group will also increase, but the increase is capped at 1 cent per trip.
PTC stated: “About 2 million commuters, or more than half of Singaporeans, will continue to enjoy subsidized fares of up to 70% of adult fares.”
The Ministry of Transportation stated in a press release that low-paid workers will continue to enjoy discounts of up to 25% on adult fares.
The fare for commuters with disabilities will continue to be linked to the fare of the elderly, or up to 55% of the adult fare.
Cash fare, monthly rental discount or travel pass users
The price of monthly discounts and travel passes will remain unchanged.
Currently, the mixed monthly concession pass fee for elementary school students is S$43.50, for middle school students and polytechnic students is S$54, and for college students and full-time national service personnel is S$90.50. The elderly pay S$64.
The monthly travel pass for adults costs S$128.
Passengers who use cash to pay for bus fares or buy one-way train tickets will have the same fare.
Currently, adult bus fares (trunk services) and one-way MRT and LRT tickets start at SGD 1.70 for short trips within 3.2 kilometers, and SGD 2.80 for long trips.
More public transport vouchers help families in need
PTC also announced on Wednesday that the government will provide a total of 600,000 public transport vouchers, the largest number of such vouchers so far, to help alleviate the impact of fare adjustments on eligible families.
The voucher is worth S$30 and can be used to recharge fare cards or purchase monthly pass discounts.
This year’s public transport voucher campaign will cover households whose monthly household income per person does not exceed S$1,600, and the distribution in 2019 will be S$1,200.
The Ministry of Transportation and the People’s Association stated in a joint press release that this is “in view of the special impact of COVID-19 on many families”.
Taking into account safety management measures, vouchers will be issued in two stages.
In the first stage, families receiving the replacement gold voucher in 2019 will automatically receive a notification letter by mail, without applying. This will be completed by the end of December.
The second phase will start in early 2022. Families who meet higher income standards but have not received vouchers in the first phase can apply online.
In the final stage, those who prefer to apply in person or need additional help can apply at the local community center.
All vouchers must be redeemed before March 31, 2023.
Why did the fare increase?
PTC stated that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of passengers on public transport has dropped “dramatically”, resulting in a decline in fare revenue.
PTC stated that, despite this, trains and buses continue to operate mainly at the operating time and frequency before COVID-19 to minimize the inconvenience to commuters.
In addition, due to measures taken to ensure the safety of commuters during the pandemic, the cost of public transport operators has also increased “significantly”. The committee added that these measures include cleaning and disinfection systems and the deployment of service ambassadors to promote good public safety practices.
“In 2020, if there is no extensive government support, both railway operators will suffer significant losses,” PTC said.
PTC stated that it decided to approve fare increases to help public transport operators “reduce the cost of operating public transport services.”
It added that these operators are also facing rising cost pressures as Singapore’s economy recovers, and pointed out that, in particular, energy prices have risen by more than 30% in the first half of 2021.
