Singapore’s public transport system is set to witness a significant fare hike starting December 23. Adult commuters paying by card will see an increase of up to 11 Singapore cents, marking a 7% overall rise in the cost of bus and train rides.
Details of the Fare Hike
The Public Transport Council (PTC) announced on Monday, September 18, the specifics of the fare adjustments after concluding its annual fare review:
- For journeys up to 4.2 km, adult card fares will increase by 10 cents.
- For rides exceeding 4.2 km, the fare will rise by 11 cents.
However, it’s not just the adult commuters who will be affected. Concessionary fares for seniors, students, people with disabilities, and low-wage workers paying by card will also see an increase:
- A 4-cent hike for journeys up to 4.2 km.
- A 5-cent rise for longer rides.
Approximately two million commuters, which accounts for half of Singapore’s population, fall into this concessionary group.
Historical Context
This year’s fare hike is the most significant since 2019, when the fares also saw a 7% increase. The 11-cent rise is the highest ever recorded.
Interestingly, the PTC revealed that the fares could have surged by a whopping 22.6% in 2023. This potential increase would have been the most substantial allowable hike since 1998 when the PTC introduced formulas to determine a cap on fare changes. The 22.6% comprises a 12% increase from a new fare formula introduced for the 2023 review and a 10.6% hike carried over from the 2022 review.
Conclusion
While the fare hike is bound to affect the daily commute for many Singaporeans, it’s essential to understand the context and the mechanisms behind these changes. The PTC’s transparent approach in sharing the potential fare hikes and the formulas behind them provides a clearer picture for the public. As Singapore continues to grow and develop its public transport infrastructure, such adjustments, though challenging, are part of the evolving landscape.
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