SINGAPORE: The Fare Review Mechanism Committee (FRMC) has attempted
to suggest how limited resources can be spread to meet the needs of
the different segments of people who rely on public transport.
In a blog post, Chairman of FRMC Richard Magnus said the committee
had tried to gather as many views as possible through the focus
group discussions held.
The FRMC had polled some 4,600 households on their thoughts about
the implementation of various possible concession schemes.
The FRMC had sought the public's views on which schemes should be
prioritised, and on how the burden of paying for the costs of more
concession schemes should be shared.
The FRMC will be sharing the report and its findings with the
public on Tuesday.
Mr Magnus said together with the household survey findings, the
many different views presented to the FRMC have helped shape the
committee's thinking and recommendations.
He added that most of the views gathered have been incorporated in
the report.
He said the difficult task is in balancing the needs of various
stakeholders, including the public transport operators and
different commuter groups.
Mr Magnus said putting forth a framework for concessionary fares
will remain a work-in-progress.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has received the report.
In a statement from MOT, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew thanked
the Mr Magnus and committee members for the thoughtful and
comprehensive report to review the adjustment mechanism and the
concession schemes.
MOT will study the FRMC report in detail and will give a response
next week.
The FRMC was appointed by the government last year to review the
framework for public transport fare adjustments.
The committee was scheduled to present its recommendations early
this year but the submission of its findings was delayed. The FRMC
had said it needed time to gather quantitative feedback.
- CNA/xq
