Government Accepts PTC’s Recommendation for 2020 Fare Review Exercise

Concession remains available for lower-wage workers, persons with disabilities

1.     The Public Transport Council has decided not to grant any fare adjustments in this year’s Fare Review Exercise. With this decision, commuters will see no change to their bus and train fares. 

2.     To ensure fares stay affordable for Lower-Wage Workers (LWWs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during this difficult period, the Government has also decided not to grant any fare adjustments for LWWs and PWDs. LWWs will continue to enjoy discounts of up to 25% off adult fares. PWDs will continue to be pegged to that of seniors, which is up to 55% off adult fares. The price of the Monthly Concession Pass for PWDs will remain unchanged at $64. In addition, like all other commuters, LWWs and PWDs will continue to enjoy lower morning pre-peak rail fare, with a discount of up to 50 cents¹.  

3.     The Government will continue to heavily subsidise public transport. Prior to COVID-19, the Government was expected to spend close to $1 billion to renew and upgrade rail operating assets, and another $1 billion to subsidise public bus services annually over the next five years. That translates to more than $1 in subsidies for every journey taken. With the impact of COVID-19, revenues have fallen further and we expect Government subsidies to be even higher this year.

4.     We will also ensure that sufficient assistance is available for commuters in need. In this regard, we will extend the application deadline for the 2019 Public Transport Voucher (PTV) Exercise from 31 October 2020 to 31 January 2021. This will give eligible households more time to apply for the vouchers at their local Community Centres / Clubs (CCs). Low-income households under the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) and Long-Term Assistance (LTA) schemes will also progressively receive PTVs directly.  

5.     Members of the public who have any queries regarding the concession schemes, including the application process and the eligibility criteria, can call 1800-2255-663 or visit

www.transitlink.com.sg

.

¹Commuters who tap in at any rail station before 7.45am on weekdays (excluding public holidays) can enjoy a discount of up to 50 cents off their rail fare. The discount quantum is 50 cents or the fare for the rail leg of the trip, whichever is lower.

About the Workfare Transport Concession Scheme and the Persons with Disabilities Concession Scheme

In July 2014, the Government introduced two concession schemes for Lower-Wage Workers and Persons with Disabilities to keep fares affordable for financially needy commuters. Under the Workfare Transport Concession Scheme, commuters under the Workfare Income Supplement scheme will enjoy a discount of up to 25% off adult fares. Under the Persons with Disabilities concession scheme, Persons with Disabilities enjoy a discount of up to 55% off adult fares, and do not have to pay additional fares for distances beyond 7.2km.

Annex A -

Concessionary Card Fare Structures for Lower-Wage Workers and Persons with Disabilities