George Yang, Author at Goody Feed

Once upon a time, there was a joke: prices of everything increase except our salaries. What used to be a joke is now a reality, because this year has been a year of increase. From electricity to water to iPhones and now public transport fares, surviving in Singapore has become a tad more difficult. After all, how can we survive without the latest iPhone?! Just today, it’s announced that there would be a fare increase that’ll be kicking in at the end of this year. Here are eight facts about this rather unfortunate news—especially for you guys who’s just bought a new iPhone, because you’re about to get $3.72 poorer every month. What’s the Increase? To put it simply, it’s an increase of 4.3%, the maximum that can be increased. That would mean that adults would see an average increase of 6 cents per journey, while single trip tickets (i.e. not using Ez-link card) would see an increase of about 10 cents per journey. Here, I do the maths for you: two journeys per day for 31 days (considering that you go out every weekend, you lucky fellow) means you’ll have to fork out $3.72 more per month. For students and senior citizens, the increase would be capped at 1 cent per journey, so the effects aren’t that big. What’s Not Changed? Monthly concession passes for everyone (i.e. students, senior citizens, NSFs and adults) aren’t affected. Also, the scheme of the 50 cents discount should commuters enter any MRT station or LRT station before 7:45 a.m. isn’t affected as well. When would it increase? The adjustment (i.e. increase) would start from 29 December 2018. Why the increase? Lest you’re not aware, public transport operators cannot suka suka increase prices (if not we’ll be paying $10 per ride liao lor). The adjustment is made from a review by the Public Transport Council, which take recommendations from public transport operators. The increase this time round is necessary as there is an increase in energy price (yeah, we all know that), increase in wage index (i.e. labour cost increases) and an increase in core consumer price index (just think of it as inflation). In other words, it’s due to increasing running costs and inflation. In addition, there’s a growth in demand and capacity, and the operators are also reporting “significant losses”. What does the number mean? It’s projected that with the adjustment would bring in an additional SGD$78.2 million a year, with SGD$43.2 million from buses and SGD$35 million from MRT. As operators would have to contribute 5% of the expected increase to the Public Transport Funds, we’ll also see better infrastructure by the authorities. Who will get help? In order to ensure that the needy won’t be impacted too severely by the increase, 300,000 needy households would receive a public transport voucher worth $30. The amount is drawn from the Public Transport Fund and is the largest public transport voucher exercise to date. What does commuters think? Now, of course you and I are going to complain, but a survey of 10,400 commuters between July and August shows that 7 out of 10 commuters think that public transport fares in Singapore is affordable. Which, if you compare it with other countries, is pretty true. Just ask Nas Daily. Would there be more increase? According to Public Transport Council chairman Mr Richard Magnus, it’s “almost a no-no” for another increase in 2019. In fact, prices might drop, given the trend of running costs and inflation. Well, my friend, who knows what’s going to happen in 2019. With Go-Jek impending arrival, every Tom, Dick and Harry might be taking private hire wherever he goes.

George Yang

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