Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Higher Cost of Monthly Student Concession Pass Covering Travel on Trains and Buses
04 Nov 2019In Parliament
Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Transport why does the hybrid monthly student concession pass that covers both MRT trains and buses cost significantly more than a solely bus or MRT train monthly concession pass for a student.
Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:
1. In Singapore, students enjoy significant concessions when travelling on public transport. Depending on their travelling habits, students can choose the concession option that best benefits them.
2. If they seldom mix their modes of travel, taking only buses or trains most of the time, they may, for instance choose the single-mode concession passes at $27.50 per month for buses or $25 for trains, if they are secondary school students. Otherwise, they may choose the hybrid student pass which provides them with unlimited rides on both buses and trains. The latter, at $51 per month, is priced higher in return for full flexibility.
3. The student concession passes are significantly cheaper than the adult hybrid pass which is priced at $120 per month. As the concessions are funded by other commuters, further discounts will lead to higher fares for other commuter groups or a heavier burden on taxpayers.
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Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:
1. In Singapore, students enjoy significant concessions when travelling on public transport. Depending on their travelling habits, students can choose the concession option that best benefits them.
2. If they seldom mix their modes of travel, taking only buses or trains most of the time, they may, for instance choose the single-mode concession passes at $27.50 per month for buses or $25 for trains, if they are secondary school students. Otherwise, they may choose the hybrid student pass which provides them with unlimited rides on both buses and trains. The latter, at $51 per month, is priced higher in return for full flexibility.
3. The student concession passes are significantly cheaper than the adult hybrid pass which is priced at $120 per month. As the concessions are funded by other commuters, further discounts will lead to higher fares for other commuter groups or a heavier burden on taxpayers.
