SINGAPORE — Low-income workers and people with disabilities can expect substantial discounts on public transport fares when details of the new government-funded concession schemes are announced on Thursday, along with the outcome of the fare review exercise.
Fares for low-income workers could be cut to levels similar to those about 10 to 15 years ago, depending on their journey, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew wrote on Facebook yesterday.
The discount for people with disabilities would be even more significant, he added.
“These discounts would make transport fares much more affordable for both groups; something I have wanted to do since I joined the Transport Ministry,” said Mr Lui, who took over the transport portfolio in 2011.
The new concession schemes were among the recommendations by the Fare Review Mechanism Committee, which submitted its proposals in November.
Following the work done by the committee, the Public Transport Council (PTC) started the fare review exercise and the two public transport operators — SBS Transit and SMRT — have since applied for fare adjustments.
In a media statement, the PTC said it has made a decision on the applications, following a meeting yesterday. Its decision will be announced at a press conference on Thursday.
Mr Lui said he has told PTC Chairman Gerard Ee that apart from the groups covered by the two new concession schemes, there may be others who need help. “We will make available support for them through public transport vouchers and these will be available throughout the year,” he said.
source: todayonline.com
