Bus, train fares in Asia’s richest country to rise 7%
Adult commuters in Singapore, the richest country in Asia by income per capita, will pay SGD12-13 cents (US$10 cents) more per bus and train ride from Dec. 26, as fares rise 7% amid higher energy costs.
The Public Transport Council (PTC) in Singapore has announced a 7% increase in bus and train fares, effective immediately, as part of a review of fares in the country's richest region. Seniors, students, and commuters with a Persons with Disabilities card will see fares increase by 5 cents per journey, while cash payers will face a 20 cent rise for adults and a 10 cent increase for seniors, students, and those with disabilities.
Monthly passes for adults and seniors/disabled remain unchanged at SGD122 and SGD55 respectively. The 7% increase is less than half of the maximum permitted rise of 14.7%. Over the past five years, PTC has aimed to balance affordable fares with the financial sustainability of Singapore's public transport system. Monthly pass purchases have more than doubled in the last three years, with 126,000 sold in 2024 compared to 56,000 in 2023, according to Channel News Asia.
Low-income families will receive increased public transport vouchers from SGD60 to SGD80. The rise in fares is due to a fluctuation in the cost of diesel, which swung from -14% to 138% over the review period. Despite the increase, public transport fares remain among the lowest in the world, with Singapore's income per capita being the highest in Asia at $99,365.
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