Live Now from FAULTY MRT! NEL Whole Line STUCK! 15mins can not move a single inches in China Town MAJULLAH SG54
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Need to raise prices to prevent breakdowns mah
Fare increase needed to cover rising cost of bus, train operations: Janil Puthucheary
Janil Puthucheary speaks to CNA983 (3)
Senior Minister of State for Transport and for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary speaks to CNA938 on Oct 9, 2019. (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
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SINGAPORE: Taxpayers in Singapore subsidise about S$1 for every trip made on buses and trains here, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Janil Puthucheary on Wednesday (Oct 9) during an interview with CNA938.
According to figures released by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier this year, 7.54 million trips are made on buses and trains here daily.
Dr Janil was discussing the reasons for the 7 per cent public transport fare increase announced by the Public Transport Council on Tuesday. This increase, which will kick in on Dec 28, will see fares go up by 9 cents per journey for adult commuters paying by card.
READ: Train and bus fares set to go up: What you need to know
Though public transport fares were able to cover the cost of operating buses and trains here in the past, increasing costs have meant taxpayers have had to bear the burden of subsidising costs such as infrastructure investments, Dr Janil said.
“The key issue is that costs for the operators have risen quite significantly, up to 30 per cent over the last few years; and our fares have not in any way kept up with that,” he said.
Janil Puthucheary speaks to CNA983 (4)
Senior Minister of State for Transport and for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary speaks to CNA938 on Oct 9, 2019. (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
INCREASED GAP BETWEEN COSTS AND REVENUES
Rail operator SMRT Trains – which operates the North-South, East-West and Circle Lines, as well as the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line - reported a net loss of S$155 million for the financial year ending in March.
The train division of SBS Transit – which runs the North-East and Downtown Lines – lost "tens of millions of dollars" in the last financial year, with losses of S$125 million for the Downtown Line over the past three years.
Both companies had applied for the 7 per cent increase, citing rising costs due to increasing expenses in areas such as maintenance and manpower.
“We've had the opportunity to increase fares a lot more (in the past few years) but we haven't, as a result of which the gap between the costs to the operators and how much revenue has been generated (has increased),” said Dr Janil.
The fare increase will help close this gap, he told hosts Arnold Gay and Yasmin Jonkers.
He noted that rail reliability in Singapore had improved substantially over a relatively short period of time.
LTA figures show the MRT network here managed to clock 955,000km between delays of more than five minutes as of June this year – up from just 181,000km two years ago.
But these improvements have come at a cost, with Dr Janil noting both rail operators have had to ramp up hiring rail engineering talent to enhance maintenance capabilities.
READ: North-South Line’s train reliability now on par with Hong Kong, Taipei systems: Khaw Boon Wan
National University of Singapore transport economist Timothy Wong, who was also part of the radio interview, said subsidising public transport helps encourage its use and promote the country’s car-lite vision.
“But at the same time, if we don't allow fares to increase so that they (transport operators) don't have revenue, as cost efficient as they are, they're not going to be profitable,” he said.
Dr Wong added that it would be a “huge concern” if transport operators were unable to make profits, as this might discourage companies worldwide from participating in Singapore's rail industry, creating a less competitive environment.
And while the perception exists that public transport operators should not focus on profitability, this “competitive dynamic” helps reduce costs, said Dr Janil, noting that public transport fares here are among the lowest in the world.
A study of 12 major cities by the Nanyang Technological University last year ranked Singapore second in terms of public transit affordability, just behind San Francisco.
Fare increase needed to cover rising cost of bus, train operations: Janil Puthucheary
Janil Puthucheary speaks to CNA983 (3)
Senior Minister of State for Transport and for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary speaks to CNA938 on Oct 9, 2019. (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
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SINGAPORE: Taxpayers in Singapore subsidise about S$1 for every trip made on buses and trains here, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Janil Puthucheary on Wednesday (Oct 9) during an interview with CNA938.
According to figures released by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier this year, 7.54 million trips are made on buses and trains here daily.
Dr Janil was discussing the reasons for the 7 per cent public transport fare increase announced by the Public Transport Council on Tuesday. This increase, which will kick in on Dec 28, will see fares go up by 9 cents per journey for adult commuters paying by card.
READ: Train and bus fares set to go up: What you need to know
Though public transport fares were able to cover the cost of operating buses and trains here in the past, increasing costs have meant taxpayers have had to bear the burden of subsidising costs such as infrastructure investments, Dr Janil said.
“The key issue is that costs for the operators have risen quite significantly, up to 30 per cent over the last few years; and our fares have not in any way kept up with that,” he said.
Janil Puthucheary speaks to CNA983 (4)
Senior Minister of State for Transport and for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary speaks to CNA938 on Oct 9, 2019. (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
INCREASED GAP BETWEEN COSTS AND REVENUES
Rail operator SMRT Trains – which operates the North-South, East-West and Circle Lines, as well as the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line - reported a net loss of S$155 million for the financial year ending in March.
The train division of SBS Transit – which runs the North-East and Downtown Lines – lost "tens of millions of dollars" in the last financial year, with losses of S$125 million for the Downtown Line over the past three years.
Both companies had applied for the 7 per cent increase, citing rising costs due to increasing expenses in areas such as maintenance and manpower.
“We've had the opportunity to increase fares a lot more (in the past few years) but we haven't, as a result of which the gap between the costs to the operators and how much revenue has been generated (has increased),” said Dr Janil.
The fare increase will help close this gap, he told hosts Arnold Gay and Yasmin Jonkers.
He noted that rail reliability in Singapore had improved substantially over a relatively short period of time.
LTA figures show the MRT network here managed to clock 955,000km between delays of more than five minutes as of June this year – up from just 181,000km two years ago.
But these improvements have come at a cost, with Dr Janil noting both rail operators have had to ramp up hiring rail engineering talent to enhance maintenance capabilities.
READ: North-South Line’s train reliability now on par with Hong Kong, Taipei systems: Khaw Boon Wan
National University of Singapore transport economist Timothy Wong, who was also part of the radio interview, said subsidising public transport helps encourage its use and promote the country’s car-lite vision.
“But at the same time, if we don't allow fares to increase so that they (transport operators) don't have revenue, as cost efficient as they are, they're not going to be profitable,” he said.
Dr Wong added that it would be a “huge concern” if transport operators were unable to make profits, as this might discourage companies worldwide from participating in Singapore's rail industry, creating a less competitive environment.
And while the perception exists that public transport operators should not focus on profitability, this “competitive dynamic” helps reduce costs, said Dr Janil, noting that public transport fares here are among the lowest in the world.
A study of 12 major cities by the Nanyang Technological University last year ranked Singapore second in terms of public transit affordability, just behind San Francisco.
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Have the gall to raise prices some more.. singkies get the gahmen they vote for
Train and bus fares set to go up: What you need to know
file photo woman tapping card public transport
File photo of a commuter at an MRT station. (Photo: LTA/Twitter)
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SINGAPORE: Heads up, if you're a frequent commuter - train and bus fares are set to go up for most commuter groups towards the end of the year, with the Public Transport Council (PTC) on Tuesday (Oct 8) announcing new fare hikes.
For adults who use travel cards, fares will go up by 7 per cent, the maximum allowable increase under this year’s fare review exercise. There will also be increases and changes for those who qualify for concessions. The new changes will kick in on Dec 28.
READ: Bus, train fares to go up by 9 cents from Dec 28 for adult card users: Public Transport Council
Here’s what you need to know, if you...
ARE AN ADULT COMMUTER
Bus and train fares for adult card users will rise by 9 cents per journey – an increase of 7 per cent. Cash fares and single-trip tickets will see a steeper 20-cent increase.
If you use an adult monthly travel pass, this will go up by S$8, from S$120 to S$128.
ARE A POLY STUDENT
But it’s good news if you’re a polytechnic or diploma student, because you’ll now qualify for the student concessionary fare (at the moment, these students pay adult fares unless they use a monthly concession pass).
Student concessionary card fares will be capped at 63 cents for each journey, instead of up to S$2.17.
More than 80,000 polytechnic and other diploma students are expected to benefit, with savings in card fares of up to S$1.54 per journey.
ptc fare review 2019 new vs current public transport
QUALIFY FOR OTHER CONCESSIONS
For students, senior citizens, lower-wage workers and people with disabilities, card fares will go up by 4 cents per journey.
For example, senior citizen card fares for trains will be capped at 92 cents, up from the current 88 cents.
USE A MONTHLY TRAVEL OR CONCESSION PASS
The prices for monthly passes will go up. An adult monthly travel pass will go up by S$8, while monthly concession passes will go up by between S$1 and S$5.50, depending on the commuter group.
For example, a hybrid monthly concession pass for senior citizens will now cost S$64, up from S$60; while a university student or Full-Time National Serviceman will have to fork out S$90.50 for a pass, which is S$5.50 more a month.
ptc fare review 2019 changes public transport
QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT VOUCHERS
A total of 450,000 public transport vouchers will be distributed to lower-income groups to help "cushion the impact" of higher fares on them, authorities said.
The value of the vouchers will increase from S$30 to S$50.
SBS Transit and SMRT will contribute about S$3.89 million in total to the Public Transport Fund, more than double last year’s contribution. The Government will also make a top-up of around S$6 million to the fund.
SMRT MRT trains
File photo of SMRT trains. (Photo: Ngau Kai Yan)
EARLY BIRDS STILL GET THE PRE-PEAK DISCOUNT
It’ll still pay to get out the door early on weekdays - those who tap in at any rail station before 7.45am (excluding public holidays) will still enjoy a pre-peak discount of up to 50 cents on their cards.
SO WHAT’S DRIVING ALL THIS?
Basically, it’s costing more to run public transport. Energy prices rose worldwide last year, plus higher wages and “other macroeconomic factors” have put higher cost pressures on operators, authorities said.
Also, public transport operators performed badly in the last financial year, incurring losses on their rail operations.
SBS Transit said its rail operations have been facing “significant cost pressures” since 2013, as a result of the Downtown Line operation. Manpower costs have been rising due to an increase in headcount and salary adjustment to attract and retain staff members. Overall, SBS Transit’s train division has lost "tens of millions of dollars" in its latest reported financial year.
Similarly, SMRT Trains cited growing operating costs for their rail operations in their application for the 7 per cent fare adjustment. For the financial year ending in March, SMRT Trains recorded a net loss of S$155 million.
Source: CNA/nc(hm)
Train and bus fares set to go up: What you need to know
file photo woman tapping card public transport
File photo of a commuter at an MRT station. (Photo: LTA/Twitter)
Share this content
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SINGAPORE: Heads up, if you're a frequent commuter - train and bus fares are set to go up for most commuter groups towards the end of the year, with the Public Transport Council (PTC) on Tuesday (Oct 8) announcing new fare hikes.
For adults who use travel cards, fares will go up by 7 per cent, the maximum allowable increase under this year’s fare review exercise. There will also be increases and changes for those who qualify for concessions. The new changes will kick in on Dec 28.
READ: Bus, train fares to go up by 9 cents from Dec 28 for adult card users: Public Transport Council
Here’s what you need to know, if you...
ARE AN ADULT COMMUTER
Bus and train fares for adult card users will rise by 9 cents per journey – an increase of 7 per cent. Cash fares and single-trip tickets will see a steeper 20-cent increase.
If you use an adult monthly travel pass, this will go up by S$8, from S$120 to S$128.
ARE A POLY STUDENT
But it’s good news if you’re a polytechnic or diploma student, because you’ll now qualify for the student concessionary fare (at the moment, these students pay adult fares unless they use a monthly concession pass).
Student concessionary card fares will be capped at 63 cents for each journey, instead of up to S$2.17.
More than 80,000 polytechnic and other diploma students are expected to benefit, with savings in card fares of up to S$1.54 per journey.
ptc fare review 2019 new vs current public transport
QUALIFY FOR OTHER CONCESSIONS
For students, senior citizens, lower-wage workers and people with disabilities, card fares will go up by 4 cents per journey.
For example, senior citizen card fares for trains will be capped at 92 cents, up from the current 88 cents.
USE A MONTHLY TRAVEL OR CONCESSION PASS
The prices for monthly passes will go up. An adult monthly travel pass will go up by S$8, while monthly concession passes will go up by between S$1 and S$5.50, depending on the commuter group.
For example, a hybrid monthly concession pass for senior citizens will now cost S$64, up from S$60; while a university student or Full-Time National Serviceman will have to fork out S$90.50 for a pass, which is S$5.50 more a month.
ptc fare review 2019 changes public transport
QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT VOUCHERS
A total of 450,000 public transport vouchers will be distributed to lower-income groups to help "cushion the impact" of higher fares on them, authorities said.
The value of the vouchers will increase from S$30 to S$50.
SBS Transit and SMRT will contribute about S$3.89 million in total to the Public Transport Fund, more than double last year’s contribution. The Government will also make a top-up of around S$6 million to the fund.
SMRT MRT trains
File photo of SMRT trains. (Photo: Ngau Kai Yan)
EARLY BIRDS STILL GET THE PRE-PEAK DISCOUNT
It’ll still pay to get out the door early on weekdays - those who tap in at any rail station before 7.45am (excluding public holidays) will still enjoy a pre-peak discount of up to 50 cents on their cards.
SO WHAT’S DRIVING ALL THIS?
Basically, it’s costing more to run public transport. Energy prices rose worldwide last year, plus higher wages and “other macroeconomic factors” have put higher cost pressures on operators, authorities said.
Also, public transport operators performed badly in the last financial year, incurring losses on their rail operations.
SBS Transit said its rail operations have been facing “significant cost pressures” since 2013, as a result of the Downtown Line operation. Manpower costs have been rising due to an increase in headcount and salary adjustment to attract and retain staff members. Overall, SBS Transit’s train division has lost "tens of millions of dollars" in its latest reported financial year.
Similarly, SMRT Trains cited growing operating costs for their rail operations in their application for the 7 per cent fare adjustment. For the financial year ending in March, SMRT Trains recorded a net loss of S$155 million.
Source: CNA/nc(hm)
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See? 水货 日本系统！
Japs system MRT in Pee Sai FUCKED UP!
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...nalling-fault-at-sengkang-station-service-has
Delay on North-East Line due to signalling fault at Sengkang station; service has resumed
A passenger service agent at Sengkang MRT station on Oct 1, 2019. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNGST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Published
4 hours ago
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Jean Iau
SINGAPORE - The North-East Line (NEL) service was delayed by about 20 minutes at one point due to a signalling fault at Sengkang Station, SBS Transit said on Wednesday night (Oct 9).
Train service has since resumed.
SBS Transit tweeted at 7.50pm that the service on NEL was delayed and commuters could expect an additional travel time of about 10 minutes.
Shortly after, the public transport operator said the extra travel was 15 minutes, before updating this to about 20 minutes.
At 8.14pm, SBS Transit said free bus bridging services were available between Buangkok and Punggol.
By 8.29pm, it said service had resumed but commuters should expect an additional travel time of up to 10 minutes as SBS Transit was regulating the trains.
Free bus rides ended at 8.33pm, said the operator as it apologised to commuters.
Commuters took to social media to voice their complaints.
Twitter user Libran1035 said he was stuck in a train at Hougang Station and tweeted at SBS Transit: "Why isn't there any staff directing us out of the train cabins and ushering us to buses to resume our journey home?"
Related Story
New MRT, LRT trains to be able to undergo maintenance at service facilities in Singapore
Another user SateeshChandraB tweeted at 8.07pm: "I'm inside the train (for the) last 15 minutes (it's not moving at all in) both directions."
Japs system MRT in Pee Sai FUCKED UP!
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...nalling-fault-at-sengkang-station-service-has
Delay on North-East Line due to signalling fault at Sengkang station; service has resumed
Published
4 hours ago
Facebook Twitter Email
Jean Iau
SINGAPORE - The North-East Line (NEL) service was delayed by about 20 minutes at one point due to a signalling fault at Sengkang Station, SBS Transit said on Wednesday night (Oct 9).
Train service has since resumed.
SBS Transit tweeted at 7.50pm that the service on NEL was delayed and commuters could expect an additional travel time of about 10 minutes.
Shortly after, the public transport operator said the extra travel was 15 minutes, before updating this to about 20 minutes.
At 8.14pm, SBS Transit said free bus bridging services were available between Buangkok and Punggol.
By 8.29pm, it said service had resumed but commuters should expect an additional travel time of up to 10 minutes as SBS Transit was regulating the trains.
Free bus rides ended at 8.33pm, said the operator as it apologised to commuters.
Commuters took to social media to voice their complaints.
Twitter user Libran1035 said he was stuck in a train at Hougang Station and tweeted at SBS Transit: "Why isn't there any staff directing us out of the train cabins and ushering us to buses to resume our journey home?"
Related Story
New MRT, LRT trains to be able to undergo maintenance at service facilities in Singapore
Another user SateeshChandraB tweeted at 8.07pm: "I'm inside the train (for the) last 15 minutes (it's not moving at all in) both directions."
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can blame it on deep-shitted work ethic and culture.
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Fares need to be hiked by 100% to enhance the maintenance works on a complex and overused MRT system. This is even more pertinent as the population continues to increase.
For example, Jurong East to Bedok one-way trip should be $3.80. And no concessions for students, children, useless old people and cripples.
This also saves you the tedious wayang of having a fare review 'kaki lang' committee brainstorming palatable excuses for justifying a small fare increase.
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agree. mrt fares in sg too cheap. a 26.9-mile ride on bart already costs me $6.9 one-way. bedok to jurong east one-way is still cheap at $4.69.
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