Fare increase needed to cover rising cost of bus, train operations: Janil Puthucheary

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SINGAPORE: Taxpayers in Singapore subsidise about S$1 for every trip made on buses and trains here, said Senior Minister of State for ...

Though public transport fares were able to cover the cost of operating buses and trains here in the past, increasing costs have meant taxpayers have had to bear the burden of subsidising costs such as infrastructure investments, Dr Janil said.

Both companies had applied for the 7 per cent increase, citing rising costs due to increasing expenses in areas such as maintenance and manpower. But these improvements have come at a cost, with Dr Janil noting both rail operators have had to ramp up hiring rail engineering talent to enhance maintenance capabilities.National University of Singapore transport economist Timothy Wong, who was also part of the radio interview, said subsidising public transport helps encourage its use and promote the country’s car-lite vision.

And while the perception exists that public transport operators should not focus on profitability, this “competitive dynamic” helps reduce costs, said Dr Janil, noting that public transport fares here are among the lowest in the world.

 

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