Public Transport Fares to Remain Affordable

Government to cap increase for lower-wage workers, persons with disabilities and extends more Public Transport Vouchers to support needy households

1.     The Public Transport Council has concluded this year’s Fare Review Exercise. The new fares will kick in from 28 December 2019. 

2.     To ensure fares stay affordable for Lower-Wage Workers (LWWs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the Government will cap the fare increase for LWWs and PWDs at 4 cents, and the price increase for the Monthly Concession Pass for PWDs at $4. The Government will also enhance the discount for LWWs from up to 20% currently, to up to 25% off adult fares. The minimum discount for PWDs will continue to be pegged to that of seniors, which is 25% off adult fares. On top of this, like all other commuters, LWWs and PWDs will also continue to enjoy lower morning pre-peak rail fare, with a discount of up to 50 cents.¹ With these measures in place, the average fares for these commuters will be kept below 2015 levels.

3.     The Government will continue to heavily subsidise public transport. Over the next five years, the Government expects to spend $1 billion on public bus subsidies and close to another $1 billion to renew rail operating assets annually. This means the Government subsidises every public transport journey by more than $1 on average. 

4.     The Government will also ensure that sufficient assistance is available for commuters in need. The Government will make a top-up of around $6 million to the Public Transport Fund to support the Public Transport Voucher (PTV) exercise, which will provide for 450,000 PTVs, the largest number of PTVs thus far. The value of each voucher has also been increased to $50, up from $30 previously. To allow more households to be cushioned from the impact of the fare adjustment, the Government has revised the PTV eligibility guidelines to cover around 1 in 5 households, compared to about 1 in 10 previously. LWWs and PWDs who meet the eligibility guidelines will also benefit from the PTVs. 

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.

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