PUBLIC transport operator SMRT has raised the fare of all seven
of its special late night bus services from $3.50 to $4.
The increase, which took effect last Wednesday, brings the fare
on a par with that of the six late night bus services run by the
other public transport operator, SBS Transit.
The fare increase follows the Public Transport Council's
announcement last month that the annual public transport fare
adjustment will be deferred from mid-year to until after the last
two stretches of the MRT Circle Line open in the fourth quarter of
this year.
That fare review covers feeder, trunk and express bus services,
as well as MRT and LRT trains, but excludes special late night bus
services.
Some analysts say raising the fare of special late night bus
services could be a way for transport companies to meet rising
operating costs before the annual fare adjustment is approved, in
addition to increasing rental rates for shop space in MRT
stations.
An SMRT spokesman told The Straits Times on Monday: 'While we
continue to manage our operating costs, we have adjusted fares for
NightRider services from $3.50 to $4 in view of an inflationary and
higher operating cost environment, which includes higher energy
prices.'
-- ST
I wonder how you get the news on ST of 7 Feb 2011, I only get to
read the article on 8 Feb 2011 ST.