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SINGAPORE : The two public transport operators, SBS Transit and SMRT, have submitted applications to the Public Transport Council (PTC) seeking bus and train fare adjustments.
Both cited significant cost pressures despite increased efforts to lower costs and increase productivity, and have asked for the maximum fare adjustment of 2.8 per cent.
Escalating energy and manpower costs prompted SMRT to seek for a maximum fare adjustment of 2.8 per cent.
It said this is based on the annual fare adjustment formula that takes into account the consumer price index (CPI), wage index and productivity gains.
It said energy costs rose 17.5 per cent to S$122.4 million as of this March, due mainly to higher electricity and diesel prices, and the expansion of the rail network - with the opening of Circle Line Phase One and Two.
More staff also had to be hired to operate additional train and bus trips to meet rising commuting demand.
Manpower costs also increased as a result of a higher employer's CPF contribution rate, from 14.5 per cent to 15 per cent in September 2010, and to 15.5 per cent in March 2011.
SBS Transit said it is also facing costs pressures for fuel and energy, on top of investments in new buses to renew its fleet.
The renewal exercise first began in 2006. Last year alone, some S$268 million was spent on another 600 buses to be delivered in 2011 and 2012.
SBS Transit said more details of the application, which is subject to the approval of the PTC, will be announced at a later date.
Gerard Ee, chairman of the PTC, told MediaCorp there is a need to assess the basis of the applications and to check the accounts of operators - a process that is likely to take some months.
The last time bus and trains fares were increased was in 2008. Back then, the PTC approved an adjustment of 1.7 per cent which translated to a fare increase of about one to three cents for commuters.
Commuters hope that increases, if any, this time round will mean better services.
One commuter said: "They have to do something about the comfort level. Probably the service, especially during peak hours."
Another added: "I think with all the inflation and stuff, the increase is unavoidable. But they have to do something about how the passengers are during peak hours; especially during the rush hour, the bus is especially packed."
A third commented: "The charges are too expensive for senior citizens like me."
The new Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Cedric Foo, said he would like the Transport Ministry to review the fare adjustment formula.
This includes how the government can assist the needy in coping with public transport costs.
Mr Foo, who is also a Member of Parliament for Pioneer, said the fare formula has been in place for more than five years, and sufficient experience has been gained on how the formula had or had not worked.
Earlier this year, the PTC deferred the fare review exercise to coincide with the opening of the last stage of the Circle Line this October.
- CNA/ms
SINGAPORE : The two public transport operators, SBS Transit and SMRT, have submitted applications to the Public Transport Council (PTC) seeking bus and train fare adjustments.
Both cited significant cost pressures despite increased efforts to lower costs and increase productivity, and have asked for the maximum fare adjustment of 2.8 per cent.
Escalating energy and manpower costs prompted SMRT to seek for a maximum fare adjustment of 2.8 per cent.
It said this is based on the annual fare adjustment formula that takes into account the consumer price index (CPI), wage index and productivity gains.
It said energy costs rose 17.5 per cent to S$122.4 million as of this March, due mainly to higher electricity and diesel prices, and the expansion of the rail network - with the opening of Circle Line Phase One and Two.
More staff also had to be hired to operate additional train and bus trips to meet rising commuting demand.
Manpower costs also increased as a result of a higher employer's CPF contribution rate, from 14.5 per cent to 15 per cent in September 2010, and to 15.5 per cent in March 2011.
SBS Transit said it is also facing costs pressures for fuel and energy, on top of investments in new buses to renew its fleet.
The renewal exercise first began in 2006. Last year alone, some S$268 million was spent on another 600 buses to be delivered in 2011 and 2012.
SBS Transit said more details of the application, which is subject to the approval of the PTC, will be announced at a later date.
Gerard Ee, chairman of the PTC, told MediaCorp there is a need to assess the basis of the applications and to check the accounts of operators - a process that is likely to take some months.
The last time bus and trains fares were increased was in 2008. Back then, the PTC approved an adjustment of 1.7 per cent which translated to a fare increase of about one to three cents for commuters.
Commuters hope that increases, if any, this time round will mean better services.
One commuter said: "They have to do something about the comfort level. Probably the service, especially during peak hours."
Another added: "I think with all the inflation and stuff, the increase is unavoidable. But they have to do something about how the passengers are during peak hours; especially during the rush hour, the bus is especially packed."
A third commented: "The charges are too expensive for senior citizens like me."
The new Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Cedric Foo, said he would like the Transport Ministry to review the fare adjustment formula.
This includes how the government can assist the needy in coping with public transport costs.
Mr Foo, who is also a Member of Parliament for Pioneer, said the fare formula has been in place for more than five years, and sufficient experience has been gained on how the formula had or had not worked.
Earlier this year, the PTC deferred the fare review exercise to coincide with the opening of the last stage of the Circle Line this October.
- CNA/ms
