Fare Adjustments Separate from Service Disruptions
Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat stated in Parliament on October 15 that the reliability of train services should not influence how public transport fares are determined. He emphasized that there are other mechanisms in place to ensure service standards are met, and disruptions should not be factored into fare-setting decisions.
Chee’s statement came in response to a massive disruption that occurred on the East-West Line between September 25 and 30, which left services suspended between Jurong East and Buona Vista MRT stations for six days. The incident, caused by a train damaging 2.55km of tracks and trackside equipment, affected around three million passengers before services resumed on October 1.
Calls for Fare Review Amidst Major Disruption
During the parliamentary session, Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) questioned whether the Public Transport Council (PTC) would reconsider its decision to increase public transport fares following one of the worst MRT disruptions in Singapore’s history. Giam proposed that service reliability in the period leading up to the fare increase should be considered as a factor in the fare adjustment formula.
From December 28, public transport fares in Singapore will increase by 6%, with adult commuters paying an additional 10 cents per train and bus ride when using card payments.
Maintaining Service Standards and Addressing Concerns
Chee reassured that service standards remain a priority and are monitored separately from fare adjustments. He noted that there are “other measures in place to ensure service standards are met,” and that public transport operators are held accountable for delivering reliable services. However, the fare review will proceed as planned, and no adjustments will be made based on the recent disruptions.
This decision highlights the government’s stance on balancing fare adjustments with the operational needs of Singapore’s public transport system while maintaining a focus on improving service reliability.
Also learn about East-West Line MRT Services to Fully Resume on October 1 After Track Damage Repairs.
