Transport Fare Hikes — Necessary Now?

Inconvenient Questions, Singapore

In view of falling oil prices, the increase in public transport fares slated for April 2015 has sparked an outcry in Singapore. Many raised questions about why falling oil prices did not translate into lower commuter fares. Despite numerous responses and explanations from the PTC, the general public sentiment has been one of dissatisfaction, where for some the government broke a “social contract” in the provision of public transport services. The debate aims to analyse the issue, examine the fare adjustment formula and PTC review approach, as well as discuss wider implications of the fare increase (such as affordability) and operational aspects to providing public transport services, e.g., nationalisation; privatisation; or a hybrid solution. From left to right: Viswa Sadasivan, Editor-In-Chief, IQ; Michael Heng, President & CEO of Energycorp Global Pte Ltd; Asst Prof Walter Edgar Theseira Economics Division, Nanyang Technological University (NTU); and Farhan Shah, Editor, DrWealth.com Let us know what you think in the comments below. Or join the discussion and view the full debate here: http://inconvenientquestions.sg/Event/Qo/transport-fare-hikes-necessary-now