SINGAPORE : Transport operator SMRT Corp on Friday said its third-quarter profit fell 6 percent to S$38 million.

This is despite revenue growing 7 percent to S$202 million due to higher ridership.

Earnings were dampened by a rise in operating costs, such as repair and maintenance, as well as fuel.

But for the nine months to December, SMRT's income climbed 16 percent to S$116 million.

The company expects the improvement in train and bus ridership to continue into the fourth quarter.

However, higher diesel prices are likely to eat into revenues. - CNA/ms