Commuters in Singapore will face higher public transport fares starting Dec. 26, with the Public Transport Council signing off on what Channel News Asia (@channelnewsasia) called the biggest cash increase so far.
Here's what to know
According to a video report from the outlet, the Public Transport Council approved a 7% fare adjustment, and adult card trips will cost 12 to 13 cents more from Dec. 26.
@channelnewsasia Public transport card fares will increase by 12 to 13 cents per journey for adults from Dec 26 this year — a record increase in cash terms. The Public Transport Council (PTC) said on Tuesday (Sep 29) that it had approved an overall fare adjustment of 7 per cent for this year's fare review exercise, adding that operating costs have risen due to a "substantial increase" in energy prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. #sgnews #singapore ♬ original sound - CNA
Council Chairwoman Janet Ang spoke on the move in the video.
CNA summarized the change this way: "Public transport card fares will increase by 12 to 13 cents per journey for adults from Dec 26 this year — a record increase in cash terms."
The outlet said the council attributed rising operating costs to a "substantial increase" in energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
It also said energy prices were up 21%, that the approved 7% change was less than half of the 14.7% maximum, and that students, seniors, and persons with disabilities would get a smaller 5-cent increase.
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Reactions in the comments focused on the cost of living. One person wrote, "salary can increase pls?" and another said, "everything increases except my standard of living."
More background
Transit fare increases can affect everyday trips to work, school, medical appointments, and errands. A 12-cent to 13-cent increase per trip can add up over a month for frequent riders.
A CNA article added more detail on the move. The 7% price hike was higher than last year's 5% and matched 2023's high-water mark for percentage increase.
The Council is recommending more passengers buy monthly passes, as that cost was unchanged. It said that while there are around 126,000 monthly users, over 110,000 commuters could benefit from buying a monthly hybrid pass, per CNA.
That 126,000 figure has risen from 56,000 in 2023, partly due to continually rising riding costs.
What's being done?
Rather than applying the full 14.7% maximum, the Public Transport Council approved a 7% increase, with students, seniors, and persons with disabilities facing smaller increases.
One commenter put it plainly: "Every year increase."
That is backed by the Council's current six-year streak in raising prices, as CNA showed. Buying a monthly pass for unlimited rides is one way to avoid those price increases. Some commenters took issue on the Council's rationale for higher prices.
"So when the oil price comes down ....u will adjust down?" a user asked.
"We already know from history that it will not," a viewer responded.
Where can I learn more?
Some of the same cost pressures behind Singapore's fare hike, including transport fees and rising energy prices are having an impact elsewhere.
• Across the UK, soaring fuel prices are driving pump anxiety for motorists.
• In California, gas-price protections stalled as officials deferred penalties meant to curb gouging.
• In the UK, higher energy price caps are pushing household bills upward again.
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