Government Accepts Public Transport Council’s Recommendation for Fare Review Exercise 2021

Fare increase for lower-wage workers and persons with disabilities capped at 1 cent while price of monthly concession pass remains unchanged. 
600,000 Public Transport Vouchers for the broadest household coverage to date.

1.     The Public Transport Council (PTC) has decided to cap the fare increase for concession fares at 1 cent in this year’s Fare Review Exercise (FRE). 

2.     The Lower-Wage Workers (LWWs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Concession Schemes were introduced in 2014, in line with the recommendations made by the Fare Review Mechanism Committee, to help fares remain affordable for these two groups. These concession schemes are funded by the Government. 

3.     In line with the PTC’s approved fare adjustment for student and senior citizen fares, the Government will cap the increase for concessionary card fares for LWWs and PWDs at 1 cent for this year’s FRE. LWWs will continue to enjoy discounts of up to 25% off adult fares while fares for 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 fares, with a discount of up to 50 cents.¹  The new fares will take effect from 26 December 2021.

4.     The Government will continue to heavily subsidise public transport. The Government has been spending close to $1 billion to renew and upgrade rail operating assets, and another $1 billion to subsidise public bus services every year. This translates to a subsidy of more than $1 for every journey taken on public transport. 

5.     The Government remains fully committed to helping our commuters cope with the fare adjustments. Under this year’s Public Transport Voucher (PTV) Exercise, 600,000 PTVs will be made available. This is the largest number of PTVs set aside to date for the broadest household coverage. Each PTV is worth $30 and can be used to top up fare cards or buy monthly concession passes.

6.     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 Structure for Lower-Wage Workers and Persons with Disabilities