Beginning on Dec. 23, 2023, there will be an increase in bus and train adult fares by 10 to 11 cents, contingent on the distance of the journey. Specifically, for journeys that are 4.2km or shorter, you can expect to pay an additional S$0.10.
Conversely, if your journey stretches beyond 4.2km, you should anticipate shelling out an extra S$0.11. The Public Transport Council (PTC) has announced this hike on bus and train adult fares after conducting their annual Fare Review Exercise (FRE).
Source: PTC
Concession Fare Changes
The increase in concession fares for students and seniors is capped at S$0.04 to S$0.05, again varying with the journey’s distance. Specifically, shorter journeys will see a S$0.04 increase, while longer ones will go up by S$0.05.
Moreover, these adjustments also apply to concession fares for lower-wage workers and persons with disabilities.
However, it is important to note that there will be no changes to the price of the adult monthly travel pass and the bus or train monthly concession passes.
Cash Fare Adjustments
Adult cash fares, which are still accepted for bus rides, will see a hike of S$0.20. Meanwhile, concessionary cash fares for bus rides will increase by S$0.10. These new fare structures will take effect on Dec. 23, 2023.
Greater Support for Concessionary Groups
Alongside these fare increases, PTC has promised more substantial support for heavy users of public transport within concessionary groups, including students, seniors, and full-time national servicemen.
This will be achieved by reducing the prices of hybrid bus and train monthly concession passes by up to 10 per cent.
The government will also cut the price of the monthly concession pass for persons with disabilities from S$64 to S$58 and introduce a new hybrid concession pass for Workfare Transport Concession Scheme card holders.
The New Fare Adjustment Formula
This year’s fare adjustment was calculated using the new fare formula, applicable from 2023 to 2027. This formula takes into account the continued increase in energy prices, core inflation, and strong wage growth in 2022.
After adding the deferred 10.6 per cent from the fare review exercise in 2022, this year’s maximum allowable fare adjustment is 22.6 per cent. PTC has decided to allow an overall fare increase of 7 per cent, deferring the remaining 15.6 per cent to future FREs.
Public Transport Fund Contributions
With the higher fare increase, PTC will require SBS Transit and SMRT Trains to make larger contributions toward the Public Transport Fund. Additionally, in 2023, SBS Transit and SMRT Trains plan to contribute 15 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively, of their anticipated revenue increase to the fund.
Source: SBSTransit
Vouchers for Lower-Income Households
To assist lower-income households with fare adjustments, the Public Transport Council will make available Public Transport Vouchers (PTVs) worth S$50 each.
Users can apply these vouchers to top-up fare cards or purchase monthly passes. The council will consider households with a monthly income per person of not more than S$1,600 eligible for the PTVs.
Fares Must Keep Pace with Expansion: PTC Chairperson
Source: Parliament of Singapore
Announcing the fare increase, PTC chairperson Janet Ang stressed that sustaining the public transport system is a shared responsibility among the government, public transport operators, and commuters.
She added that fares must keep pace with the cost of providing public transport services across a larger network and in a higher-cost environment.
Understanding the Upcoming Changes in Singapore Bus and Train Adult Fares
As parents, firstly, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes that will directly impact our family’s budget. Despite this, the increase in public transport fares might be a cause for concern, however, we should also take note of the various support measures put in place by the PTC to assist concessionary groups and lower-income households. Notably, the provision of Public Transport Vouchers and the reduction in prices for certain monthly passes show an effort to alleviate the financial burden for those who depend heavily on public transport.
Furthermore, let’s continue to educate our children about the importance of public transportation and how these changes contribute to maintaining and improving the services we rely on daily. Keep in mind, these fare adjustments will take effect from December 23, 2023, so it’s important to plan your family’s expenses accordingly.
For additional updates and information on public transport fares, make sure to visit the Public Transport Council’s website or follow them on their social media platforms. In order to stay ahead, stay informed, and stay prepared!
Lastly, do check out our other related articles on navigating public transport in Singapore as a parent, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with us!
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