In 2019, the LTA reported that they were on track to meet its 2030 target of a 75% public transport mode share for all peak period commutes. In 2016, the public transport mode share for MRT, LRT and buses was 62%. However, this only increased marginally to 65% in 2023. I am concerned about the pace of progress in encouraging public transport use, given we are just five years away from 2030. Regardless however, we should aim to ambitiously exceed our current car-lite targets by enhancing the affordability, comfort, and reliability of our public transport network.
Commuting via public transport should be made more economical for regular commuters, especially given the high cost of car ownership. However, the Adult Monthly Travel Pass is still considered too expensive by many frequent commuters, many of whom are also being squeezed by the high cost of living. As it is, for existing Adult Monthly Travel Pass holders, their average expenditure without the pass would be about $140 per month, compared to the price of the pass at $128 per month. Just a $12 savings a month, on average for heavy users of public transport. The average monthly expenditure for adult commuters, on the other hand, is estimated to be only about $45. Even for lower wage workers who qualify for a cheaper monthly concession pass, at $96 per month, this is barely economical for average users, without even considering the fact that they already receive discounts of up to 25% off adult public transport fares.
Lowering the cost of the travel pass could better incentivise Singaporeans currently taking less environmentally friendly private vehicle options, regardless of whether it’s cars, taxis or PHVs, to make the switch to public transport. This is ultimately our goal as expressed by the LTA, if the plan is to meet and exceed the 75% public transport mode share. Therefore, would the Government consider reducing the price of the Adult Monthly Travel Pass, to further incentivise greater public transport use? Alternatively, could the Scheme be expanded to include City Direct and Express fares as well, given an expansion of such travel options as part of the commuting mix, and that these two are green public transport options?
I recognise that building a people-centric public transport network may require substantial funding from the Government’s purse, which also includes sustainability-related revenue sources such as carbon taxes. Hence, with carbon taxes – aimed at supporting our decarbonisation efforts – set to increase in the future, would the additional revenue generated help fund enhancements to our public transport network?
As Singapore accelerates towards a car-lite future, building a transportation network centred around affordable, comfortable, and reliable public transit should be the Transport Ministry’s utmost priority.
