I'd like to share some of my thoughts about this change after
returning from my trip to Wonju, ROKorea.
Facts to note:
Wonju + its neighbouring municipalities is roughly the size of
Singapore(ok, minus LCKang).
Public transportation(buses) is owned by the state(essentially
one or two bus operators) giving standard fare. The Wonju City
Hall(city government) profits from operating the services(there are
500 routes) and does not "subsidize" fares. They also pay market
rate for Diesel and CNG.
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Wonju city, together with larger cities like Seoul, Busan,
Gangneung(pronounced "Kang-ner-ng"), and Cheongju etc. have a
standard fare regardless of distance.
Elementary School(Primary School) student fee: ₩700 ~ S$0.65
Middle School(Secondary School + JC) student
fee: ₩950 ~ S$0.90
Adult fee: ₩1280 ~ S$1.25
A similar system like the ez-link card is existant. Essentially
you can travel for unlimited trips for that fare in one day. If you
are paying by cash(₩),
you'd get a ticket and with that ticket you can transfer buses
without paying(just by showing the ticket to the
bc).
This system is more desirable and might work in Singapore. But
then Koreans are not that kind of people to spend time joyriding
and enjoying themselves...
Should such a system be present in Singapore, would you be for
it? Apparently for the Korean government this system happens to be
profitable.
Let's just put it in the Singaporean perspective.
Flat fare except for premium, cityshopper, etc.
Primary School Student: S$0.80
Sec School Student: S$1.25
Tertiary School Student: S$1.75
Adult: S$2.50
Comments? Please don't flame. It is just my view.
