Both SBS Transit and SMRT have applied to the Public Transport Council to increase their bus and train fares. The proposals for the fare hikes, if accepted by the PTC, will be announced next month and will kick in by October. SBS Transit says that most adults travelling on its buses and trains would see a one-cent to two-cent increase in fares. Student fares and concession passes will be unaffected.
Fuel costs have been rising for the two big bus companies, by as much as over 40% just in the last year. SBS Transit says that diesel is its second biggest cost item after manpower. The government said small and regular increases were preferred to big jumps every few years. So, fare adjustments will probably be annual affairs now.