Treat public transport as public good

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http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/treat-public-transport-public-good-20131223

On its website, the Public Transport Council (PTC) states that in order to keep public transport fares affordable, transport infrastructures such as MRT/LRT lines and bus interchanges are funded entirely by the Government.

Bus and train operators are responsible only for operations, maintenance costs and investments in service improvement.

The PTC strives to strike a balance in keeping fares affordable and ensuring that the public transport system remains financially sustainable.

The Government has recently set aside about $1.1 billion under the Bus Services Enhancement Fund to fund the purchase and running of 550 buses for the next 10 years. This includes salaries and all other running costs, such as fuel and maintenance.

Meanwhile, ComfortDelGro and SMRT posted profits of $249 million and $83.3 million respectively last year.

In the light of all this, what does it mean to ensure the public transport system remains financially sustainable?

Why are the public transport companies still applying for fare increases despite good profits and fully funded government support?

It may be time to review the modus operandi of our public transport companies.

Public transport should perhaps be separated from the listed entities and treated like a public good, just like water and electricity.

The transport giants could continue with their international ventures to compete internationally as public-listed companies.

We seem to have a "profit not enough" syndrome and entitlement mindset, expecting the Government to look after every sphere, be it individual, family and even corporations, despite doing well already.

Low Kok Soon