Public Transport Council

In 2006, the PTC approved applications from transport operators SBS Transit and SMRT for an overall increase in bus and train fares of 1.7%.[7] The fare adjustment took effect on 1 October 2006. The PTC justified the increase in fares based on the positive economic outlook in 2006 and a comparison of average public transport fares across cities of Hong Kong, London and New York City which have higher fares. Critics were however skeptical of PTC's justifications, pointing to flaws in the survey conducted by SMU where three quarters of respondents polled said fares were affordable.[8][9][10]

From 1 April 2009, commuters saw an overall 4.6% reduction in bus and train fares. The reduction comprises a fare rebate (to 30 June 2010) and a transfer rebate.[11][12]

On 20 April 2010, the PTC granted an overall 2.5% reduction in bus and train fares which took effect on 3 July 2010 together with the introduction of distance fares.[13]

On 6 April 2014, fares were raised by 3.2%. The typical fares were increased by 4-6 cents and student fares were increased by 2 cents. New concession schemes were implemented.

In 2015, the PTC granted an overall 1.9% reduction in bus and train fares which took effect on 27 December 2015.

In 2016, the PTC granted an overall 4.2% reduction in bus and train fares which took effect on 30 December 2016.

PTC announced the scrapping of free MRT rides for those exiting 18 city area stations before 7.45am on weekdays excluding public holidays. Instead, discounted fares of up to 50 cents will be given to pre-peak travellers which took effect on 29 December 2017.[14]

Also, $40 Off-Peak Pass monthly concession which offers unlimited travel outside of the weekday peak periods on the bus and train networks for senior citizens ceased. Senior citizens are being persuaded to buy the $60 Senior Citizen Monthly Concession Pass which includes peak hour travel.[15]

In 2018, fares were raised by 4.3% which took effect on 29 December 2018.[16][17] Adult card fares increased by 6 cents. Student, senior citizen, Lower-Wage Workers & Persons With Disabilities card fares increased by 1 cent. Adult cash fares for buses, single trip tickets for trains increased by 10 cents. There is no additional boarding charge when making multiple rail transfers in one journey between two different train stations as long as it is within 15 minutes or by taking a bus trip between two different train stations.[18][19][20]

On 8 October 2019, the Public Transport Council announced a fare increase of 7% on train and bus fares which took effect on 28 December 2019, the highest percentage jump since 1998. The increase is driven by soaring energy costs. Adult card fares increased by 9 cents, with cash fares and single fare tickets increased by 20 cents. Concession fares for students, seniors, low-wage workers and persons with disabilities increased by 4 cents. Monthly concession passes have increased by $1 to $5.50, with adult monthly passes increased by $8. However, polytechnic students are included under student concession fares for the first time, resulting in a fare reduction of up to $1.54.[21]