Taken from Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/82609/1/.htmlTime is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 30 April 2004 2011 hrs Transport operator SMRT decides no fare hike this year
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Transport operator SMRT has decided not to raise its train and bus fares this year.
SMRT made known its decision on Friday, the eve of the deadline to apply to the Public Transport Council for any fare hike.
There has been widespread speculation that SMRT is heading that way.
Fares were last raised two years ago amidst much controversy and unhappiness.
ComfortDelgro and SBS Transit assured commuters early on they won't raise fares this year.
But as the May 1 deadline to apply for fare increases loomed, speculation was rife that SMRT might take a different track.
For SMRT, which hasn't raised fares for two years and which has been facing higher cost pressures due to SARS, GST absorption and the start of North East Line, the pressure has been to at least ask for something.
But after mulling over the figures and fares for two months, SMRT decided to back down from asking for any increase.
The reason: times are still tough.
"We've never come out to say that we are (raising fares). We are mindful of the fact that the economic situation is recovering but it is still uncertain in the near future and there are a lot of commuters who have hardships," said SMRT president Saw Phaik Hwa.
SMRT added that to ease the financial burden of commuters, it will continue to absorb the one percentage point increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST).
But were there other forces keeping fares at current levels?
"There are always pressures because nobody likes fare increases. We look forward to a time when there is a formula where increases are given in small steps, not painful and not a political situation," Ms Saw said. - CNA