S Iswaran on public transport fare review

The fare formula for public transport is being reviewed to ensure robustness and relevance in light of changes in the industry and commuting patterns, said Transport Minister S Iswaran. He said as Singapore continues to expand the public transport network, and operating costs rise with inflation and other cost drivers, the Government will continue to seek an optimal balance between the fiscal sustainability of its spending on public transport and ensuring the affordability of fares, especially for the vulnerable segments. Speaking in reply to an MP's questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 13), Mr Iswaran said the Government has to consider how best to share the cost between users and current, as well as future, generations of taxpayers for subsidised services. There must be a fare formula to ensure that commuters pay a fair share of the costs, by accounting for key cost drivers for public transport, in particular wages, energy and inflation. Mr Iswaran said the Government is also mindful that it has to support those with greater needs and fewer means. It keeps fares lower for concession groups, such as seniors, and provides public transport vouchers to low-income families. He said the Government will continue to work with public transport operators to ensure "judicious" cost management.