Bus fares set to rise!

The word is officially out: Bus fares hikes will be approved by the Public Transport Council in October, likely to increase 1.7%, or loosely translated to 1 or 2 cents more per ride.

Ok, actually it is not officially out, but it all came from the mouth of an official from the most respected and official The Straits Times, all on the front page! The article tried to focused on new bus service standards set by the PTC, but what really caught the eye was right at the end.

Mr Ong Kian Min, deputy chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Transport said, "The concern is whether compliance with these requirements may in turn lead to higher operating costs and higher fares in the future."

He actually meant: The concern is the compliance with these requirements will in turn lead to higher operating costs and higher fares in the future.

Argh, it irks me to see the left and right hands collaborating to build a platform for the justification of fare hikes come October. Public-listed companies, accountable to shareholders, profit-driven, reason number 101...

Before I get carried away and lambast the obvious link between SBST, SMRT and Temasek Holdings, let's get down to dissect the improvement of bus service standards.

1. 15 minute peak-period waiting time

I think this should be a given. Does anyone expect to wait more than 15 mins for a bus during peak hours? It is downright labelling of the obvious and non-compliance to such a simple service standards can't be accepted anyway. I will gladly testify that SBST and SMRT flouts this rule on a regular basis. Surprisingly, instead of penalising the transport companies, this is gonna be one compliance that will cost commuters more.

2. On average, buses should not be more than 95% full during peak hours.

What constitutes 95% of capacity? As long as people are packed like sardines but (Bus volume - Headspace) is less than 95%?

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY can stop kiasu Singaporeans from squeezing into the last available space on the bus steps. Why set a new rule that is sure to be flouted? I will blow the whistle on SBST and SMRT everytime people stand on the steps and make sure they are fined $100 000 every time. Happy?

3. Hotlines, website to provide schedule and information + route info at bus stops.

Basic requirement again, especially providing bus routes info at ALL bus stops to help people to plan their routes. I think these ought to have been done donkey years ago, but I assume SBST and SMRT will cite posting of informational materials as increased operating costs. Rubbish. Just making up for the past disservice!

Numerous times I have been refuted, but I must still say these. Public transport like buses and trains are inelastic and it is the lower income group that depends more on them for getting around. Increasing cost of public transport increases the burden for the less well-off. While costs of private transport have dipped considerably for the past years, we see a corresponding increase in cost of public transport.

Where is the logic, for improving usage rate for public transport, for improving road conditions with lesser private vehicles, for protecting the environment by reducing number of cars and hence amount of greenhouse gases?

It seems to me like the simultaneous hikes in public transport costs and increases in private vehicle expenses such as ERP and petrol prices are a ploy of the higher-ups to win-all. !@#$%^

Lastly, if we can't beat them, join them! SBST are posting record profits year after year, buy their shares and rejoice each time public fare hikes are due!