Taken from Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/82609/1/.html
Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 30 April 2004 2011 hrs
Transport
operator SMRT decides no fare hike this year
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Transport operator SMRT has decided
not to raise its train and bus fares this year.
SMRT made known its decision on Friday, the eve of the deadline to
apply to the Public Transport Council for any fare hike.
There has been widespread speculation that SMRT is heading that
way.
Fares were last raised two years ago amidst much controversy and
unhappiness.
ComfortDelgro and SBS Transit assured commuters early on they won't
raise fares this year.
But as the May 1 deadline to apply for fare increases loomed,
speculation was rife that SMRT might take a different track.
For SMRT, which hasn't raised fares for two years and which has
been facing higher cost pressures due to SARS, GST absorption and
the start of North East Line, the pressure has been to at least ask
for something.
But after mulling over the figures and fares for two months, SMRT
decided to back down from asking for any increase.
The reason: times are still tough.
"We've never come out to say that we are (raising fares). We are
mindful of the fact that the economic situation is recovering but
it is still uncertain in the near future and there are a lot of
commuters who have hardships," said SMRT president Saw Phaik
Hwa.
SMRT added that to ease the financial burden of commuters, it will
continue to absorb the one percentage point increase in Goods and
Services Tax (GST).
But were there other forces keeping fares at current levels?
"There are always pressures because nobody likes fare increases. We
look forward to a time when there is a formula where increases are
given in small steps, not painful and not a political situation,"
Ms Saw said. - CNA