transport fares increase

We all saw it coming and it has finally arrived. The two (and only) public transport operators in Singapore, SBS Transit and SMRT, have submitted applications seeking bus and train fare adjustments to the Public Transport Council (PTC), appointed by none other than the unpopular PAP.

SMRT stated that "escalating energy and manpower costs" as the reason to seek for a maximum fare adjustment of 2.8%. This is indeed ironic as public transport operators are not allowed to pass on to customers their direct costs according to the Transport Ministry.

Having concluded the general elections with another win (an embarrassing one though), it is highly likely that PAP will approve the applications and continue to rule Singapore without genuinely listening to the concerns of the people.

An increase in prices should mean an increase in terms of service and comfort level. However, do remember that the "S" in SBS and SMRT stands for Singapore. Making empty promises has become the norm especially in the public transport industry.

Since the two public transport operators have "chut pattern liao", it is all down to the PTC to review the fare adjustment formula. In fact, the meaning of "review" here is not whether to approve, reject or even decrease the fares but increasing them by how much without enhancing the service level.