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Bus fare cheats persist despite efforts
By Ng Lian Cheong | Posted: 04 August 2011 2243 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport operators are still grappling with the problem of bus fare cheats despite efforts to beat them.The Public Transport Council said since the penalty fee for bus fare evaders was imposed on July 1, 2008, some 17,500 commuters have been fined.
Last year, 5,801 cheats were caught. That's down by a mere 2 per cent, compared to 5,917 culprits caught in 2009.
Commuters caught not paying or under-paying bus fares face a S$20 fine while those who misuse concession cards will be slapped with a S$50 penalty.
The council said about a quarter of bus fare evaders were aged 20 and below.
A commuter said: "Some are more daring. They want to break some rules. It's a bit common nowadays. These days, teenagers are very bold. They dare do a lot of funny things. So I'm not surprised."
The Land Transport Authority also gave an update on claims made by commuters after they were wrongly charged when distance-based fare was introduced on July 3, 2010.
The deadline for the refund period had been extended to end of June.
So far, S$138,281 has been refunded.
The unclaimed amount of S$177,725 will be donated to charity.
- CNA/ck
