I disagree with Public Transport Council chairman Gerard Ee’s assertion that public transport fare hikes and service reliability are separate issues (“Fair hike and breakdowns are separate issues: PTC”; yesterday).
In any transport business, fare increases would not go down well with customers if there are frequent breakdowns and unreliable service.
For example, if an airline were to announce a fare increase, yet experience frequent breakdowns causing flight delays, would its management say the two issues are separate?
In a competitive market, I am sure the airline would refrain from raising fares and instead focus on improving its service, even at a loss.
The Public Transport Council cannot treat listed public transport operators both as “public” organisations providing essential transport services and as private entities requiring regular fare increases to sustain their operations and ensure their profitability.
Public transport operators should admit that frequent breakdowns are not acceptable, and strive towards providing efficient and timely service.
Paul Chan Poh Hoi