Khaw: Public transport fares may go up

FireIce SG

It is not sustainable for taxpayers to increasingly subsidise the cost of operating Singapore's public transport systems, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said in Parliament yesterday as he raised the possibility of commuters paying higher fares.

Mr Khaw said that over the next five years, the Government expects to subsidise public bus services by almost $4 billion.

Under the new Bus Contracting Model, fare revenue goes to the Government, but this is still insufficient to cover operating costs, explained Mr Khaw.

The Government also expects to spend another $4 billion or so on replacing ageing rail assets in the same time frame.

"And all this is on top of about $20 billion we will be spending to build new public transport infrastructure," he added.

Mr Khaw said the Public Transport Council (PTC) will review the fare formula when it expires following this year's fare adjustment exercise.

"They will consult widely. I am confident that they will decide wisely," he said.

"But remember, the PTC... sometimes they have to adjust fares upwards. If they do, I hope commuters will be understanding." - CHRISTOPHER TAN

TNP

lce SG

which ever ministry this cow is . He will raise the fees as he is not capable of doing his job well. Always submitting to the easliest way but not striving for the most efficient strategy.

perhaps any tom , dick n harry can do his job

qizhuang SG

Another alternative way to avoid is to take shuttle bus if the route happened to drive past your area although the approximate waiting time is long but boarding it won't be feel so overpopulation and squeeze into public transportation. :P

Lovnishkum85 SG

thanx

FireIce SG

thank what???