Why is transport so expensive?

PHOTO: The Straits Times

Why are fares still going to go up if MRT trains are still crowded and bus arrivals still infrequent?

These are some of the questions being asked by exasperated commuters after the announcement that the Public Transport Council (PTC) approved a one per cent increase in bus and train fares yesterday.

Public transport operators SBS Transit and SMRT Corp had applied to PTC for a 2.8 per cent fare increase on July 12 –the maximum allowed.

This rise – which will take effect on Oct 8 – does not sit well with commuters, who told The New Paper who cited peak hour crowds and delayed arrivals of buses as some of their main gripes with the fare hike.