1. WP proposed nationalisation of transport system:
Let's just forgive WP for flip-flopping between arguing for more competition and nationalisation and move on.
2. WP's accusations:
* The government is privatising profits and socialising costs.
* PAP is using tax-payers' money on $1.1 billion bus enhancement scheme.
* SMRT is running non-core business (retail).
* The operators are profitable.
* Operators are "under-investing" on maintenance.
3. Debunking WP:
- Infrastructure spending has always been funded by the government. The mass purchase of buses can be treated as infrastructure spending.
- A zero-profit target will not bring fares down. Instead, fares will move up to meet zero-loss.
- Retail businesses generate extra income to bring fares down.
- Commuters are consumers too. It will be a great disservice to them if the shops are gone.
- Is WP aware that part of the operators' profits are from overseas businesses?
- Is WP aware that the Downtown line/Circle line broke down too in their first week/month of operations. What "under-investment" is WP talking about?
4. The real problem:
Anybody can see that the transportation woes/crowdedness are due to the larger population. WP refuses to see the root cause because it has painted itself into a corner by proposing raising the population to 5.9 million.
5. Last:
WP often repeat the mantra on "privatising profits and socialising costs". It is not possible as there is a 45% free float. Hence, WP should buy SMRT and ComfortDelgro shares instead of a new building.
Let's just forgive WP for flip-flopping between arguing for more competition and nationalisation and move on.
2. WP's accusations:
* The government is privatising profits and socialising costs.
* PAP is using tax-payers' money on $1.1 billion bus enhancement scheme.
* SMRT is running non-core business (retail).
* The operators are profitable.
* Operators are "under-investing" on maintenance.
3. Debunking WP:
- Infrastructure spending has always been funded by the government. The mass purchase of buses can be treated as infrastructure spending.
- A zero-profit target will not bring fares down. Instead, fares will move up to meet zero-loss.
- Retail businesses generate extra income to bring fares down.
- Commuters are consumers too. It will be a great disservice to them if the shops are gone.
- Is WP aware that part of the operators' profits are from overseas businesses?
- Is WP aware that the Downtown line/Circle line broke down too in their first week/month of operations. What "under-investment" is WP talking about?
4. The real problem:
Anybody can see that the transportation woes/crowdedness are due to the larger population. WP refuses to see the root cause because it has painted itself into a corner by proposing raising the population to 5.9 million.
5. Last:
WP often repeat the mantra on "privatising profits and socialising costs". It is not possible as there is a 45% free float. Hence, WP should buy SMRT and ComfortDelgro shares instead of a new building.