Debated in Parliament on 6 Aug 2018.
Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry will consider implementing free public transport on buses and MRT for senior citizens above the age of 75 during off-peak hours; and (b) whether audio announcements on buses to indicate stop locations can be introduced to aid elderly passengers.
Public transport is affordable for our seniors. First, senior citizens above 60 years old enjoy substantial discounts of up to 57% off adult trip fares. With these discounts, their rail and basic bus fares do not exceed 87 cents. Second, with Differential Fares, senior citizens enjoy a further discount of up to 50 cents off their rail fare if they started their journeys before 7.45 am. Third, senior citizens who travel frequently can buy monthly concession passes at $60, to enjoy unlimited bus and train rides. Fourth, senior citizens from lower-income households receive further assistance through Public Transport Vouchers.
The Public Transport Council (PTC) regularly reviews our fares to keep them affordable while ensuring the financial sustainability of the public transport network. In fact, over the past three years, fares for senior citizens have decreased as part of the annual Fare Review Exercise. Today, the total discounts for senior citizens travelling on our public transport network amount to about $80 million every year. Larger subsidies for one group of commuters will mean higher fares for other commuters or a heavier burden on taxpayers. The PTC has to balance these difficult tradeoffs.
As for the Member's second suggestion, I am pleased to inform that all new buses will have visual and audio announcements of the next bus stop.
PAPERCUTS