In a bid to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 on Singaporeans, bus and train fares will remain unchanged from end-2020, with fare adjustments rolled over till the next review exercise in 2021. The maximum allowable fare adjustment quantum for this year’s FRE – amounting to 4.4 per cent – will be implemented at the next FRE in 2021, said PTC on Fri. Concession fares and schemes will also remain unchanged. SBST and SMRT Trains had applied for the 4.4 per cent quantum in the second half of Aug. SBST cited losses in its rail operations and significant cost pressures in areas such as manpower and repairs and maintenance. Operating cost has also further increased due to safety measures to deal with the pandemic. In its latest financial year, SBS Transit’s train segment reported a loss in tens of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, SMRT cited escalating costs to operate an expanding train network with increasing operations and maintenance demands. SMRT Trains also incurred additional costs to ensure a safe transit environment for commuters, in light of the pandemic.... Continue Reading