Public Transport Council approves 1.7% fare increase for
bus, trains
12 September 2006 1515 hrs (SST) 0715 hrs (GMT)
SINGAPORE: From October, adult EZ-link fares for buses and trains
will increase by 1 to 3 cents, which amounts to an overall fare
hike of 1.7 percent.
Senior citizen off-peak EZ-link fares will correspondingly increase
by 1 cent.
There are no increases in case fares for buses, single trip tickets
for trains, child and student fares and monthly student and NS
concession passes.
In August, public transport operators SMRT Corp and SBS Transit
applied to the Public Transport Council for these increases.
The Council says that given the positive economic outlook, it
assessed that there were no "extenuating circumstances" to vary or
reject the proposal.
It has approved a "tiered increase," depending on the distance
travelled so that those who make short trips or transfers will pay
less.
The Council added that of all the bus and train trips, six in ten
will see either no increase, or an increase of 1 cent.
This also works out to be a quarter of all commuters who will not
see any increase at all.
The government has pledged to help needy families adjust to the
increase.
In a news release, the government said it has lined up the schemes
that are available, including the Citizens' Consultative Committees
ComCare Fund.
This is part of the ComCare Fund launched last July to ensure that
needy Singaporeans are not left behind.
Since then, $1.95m have been disbursed, which helped about 12,500
cases.
The two public transport operators have also contributed $1m for
Public Transport Vouchers, which will also be available through the
CCCs.
Each voucher is worth $20 and can be used to buy or top up EZ-link
cards, or to buy monthly concession passes.
The National Trade Unions Congress (NTUC) has also come up with
$1.6m in "NTUC Care and Share Vouchers" to help union members from
low-income families to cope with increases in utilities and
transport costs.
Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian
Balakrishnan commended these organisations for stepping in to help
needy families.
He said through the Comcare Fund, the government will also do its
part. - CNA /dt
