டிசம்பர் 28 முதல் பேருந்து, ரயில் கட்டணங்கள் உயர்வு

Public transport fares will increase by 6 per cent from 28th December. Accordingly, adults who pay with a card for bus and train travel will have to pay 10 cents more for each trip. At the same time, the Concession Fare Card for seniors, students, people with disabilities and lower-income workers will increase by 4 cents. There are about two million commuters in this category. Public Transport Council (PTC) announced this on Monday (9th September) after reviewing bus and train fares. For adults, an MRT trip from Tampines to Raffles Place currently costs $1.92. This will increase to $2.02 once the fare changes are implemented. In 2023, public transport fares for adults increased by 7 per cent or 11 cents, which was a record fare hike. Before that, public transport fares were frozen in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased by 2.9 per cent in 2022 and 2.2 per cent in 2021. The Public Transport Council (PTC), which regulates transport fares and travel concessions, said the 6 per cent increase announced now is less than a third of the maximum 18.9 per cent that could have been allowed for the year. The 18.9 per cent takes into account a 3.3 per cent fare adjustment this year and a 15.6 per cent increase that was deferred after a review last year. The council said the new fare hike reflects the rise in inflation and wages, as well as a moderation in energy costs from the record highs seen in 2022. It added that after setting aside 12.9 per cent of the 18.9 per cent quantum for future reviews, the remaining 6 per cent increase has been allowed. The council also noted that recognising that the cost of living is a concern for Singaporeans, it has allowed less than what it could have. To help commuters cope with the fare increase, the Government will provide a $60 Public Transport Voucher to every household with a monthly income of up to $1,800. This was announced by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the People’s Association. Last year, a $50 Public Transport Voucher was given to every household with a monthly income of up to $1,600.