SINGLE BUS-FARE SYSTEM

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Communications whether he will introduce a single fare system for all passengers travelling whatever distance by bus along a bus route in the Republic.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: The introduction of a single fare system for all passengers travelling whatever distance by bus along a bus route in the Republic as proposed by the Member for Punggol is an attractive proposition if there is only one bus company responsible for Singapore's public transport service.

But, as there are, at present, as many as 11 bus companies operating in the Republic and with different scales of fares in operation, e.g. Singapore Traction Co. charges 10 cents for the first mile and thereafter 5 cents for every subsequent mile, up to a maximum of 25 cents; whereas the other 10 bus companies charge 5 cents for the first mile and thereafter 5 cents for every subsequent mile, without a maximum, it will be quite an accounting problem to resolve before contemplating any such proposal in Singapore.

However. I may add that the Transport Advisory Board is attempting a study of the possibility of introducing a uniform system of bus fares, in the first instance.