Understanding Fare Hikes: The Hidden Truth Behind Bus and Train Costs!

In a recent episode of the Deep Dive Podcast, hosts Crispina Robert and Terence Fan discussed the often-overlooked aspects of public transportation fare hikes, opening a Pandora's box of insights into how these prices are calculated and how they impact daily commuters.

Crispina Robert began the conversation by highlighting a key point from their intern, Yan Yun, who interviewed various passengers about fare increases. Many expressed frustration, noting that while a 10-cent rise may seem trivial, it adds up over time. Unlike food costs, where consumer choice allows for trade-offs, public transportation is a necessity for many: "People can opt for cheaper meals, but when it comes to buses and trains, they have no alternatives," she said.

Terence Fan chimed in with a silver lining, mentioning that the introduction of new rail lines and some bus realignments has improved accessibility. "Now, there are multiple routes available to various destinations. That can mean shorter travel distances for some," he noted, which could ultimately save commuters time and money in the long run.

A particularly relatable segment occurred when co-host Steven shared his experience navigating fare structures for his children. "The regular fare for kids is 70 cents, but if they travel before 7:45 AM, they only pay 50 cents—making it just 20 cents per ride! Honestly, at that price, I might start letting the MRT take them to school every day," he joked.

As they continued, Steven pointed out that despite recent fare adjustments, public transport costs remain relatively affordable compared to other parts of the world. “When I do a global comparison, we’re still getting a pretty good deal,” he remarked, attempting to reassure concerned commuters.

However, the discussion took a cautious turn when Terence highlighted the potential for future fare hikes, suggesting that a 10% increase could one day become necessary if funding shortfalls arise. "What if they decide that the 18.9% fare increase becomes 25% because of government budget constraints? That’s a real risk," he warned.

Crispina questioned the long-term implications of such increases, wondering if it could eventually lead to decreased fares. Terence reminded listeners of the energy index, which influences fare pricing based on energy costs—a factor that fluctuated significantly in the past decade, including drops in 2016 and 2020.

Public transportation is becoming increasingly crucial, not just for commuting but for overall urban living. As cities grow and evolve, understanding the mechanics behind fare hikes is essential for commuters, policymakers, and anyone invested in improving public transport systems for a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on public transport in future episodes! The conversation only gets more interesting from here—don't miss it!