Effectiveness of Differential Fares Scheme in Spreading Out MRT Commuter Load

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether there has been further improvement to the spreading out of MRT commuters during morning peak hours after the Differential Fares Scheme is implemented; and (b) whether he will consider granting further incentives to the elderly to travel during off-peak hours to spread out MRT commuters.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: To encourage off-peak travel, rail commuters enjoy a discount of up to 50-cents if they tap in before 7.45 am under the Differential Fares Scheme. Since the discount was introduced in December 2017, the number of commuters travelling during the morning pre-peak period has increased by 12%. This is significantly higher than the ridership growth of 2%.

More than 70% of seniors today travel during off-peak hours. Some of those who travel during the peak period are likely to do so for work. We will continue to monitor the situation before deciding on further incentives for off-peak travel.