When crude oil price increases, public transport fare increases just as fast, when crude oil price falls, public transport fare also increases irrespective.
When crude oil price plunged by 50% in the past six months, MOT and PTC had the audacity to champion a 2.8% public transport fare increase next year and we are only two weeks away from next year.
Common discussions in public thoroughfares pointed to an expected reduction in public transport fares on the back of plunging crude oil prices. Instead we are faced with the spectre of a 2.8% hike. It hurts, really hurts.
This is despite the hefty fare hikes just April this year pushing transport operators’ profits up by a whopping 63% as reported in the mainstream media.
Given what’s just described, only lunatics will act this way. This obsession with money and unrestrained profiting from the commuters will be brought to bear at the next general election.
The people who have decided on these mad fare increases must be consigned to the lunatic asylum after the next election. We cannot have mad people running around.
Transport cost is one of the main drivers of inflation and while crude oil price has plunged 50%, our inflation rate continues on a rapid climb. It does not make any sense at all. It is mad, totally mad living in Singapore.
As a member of the pioneer generation with zero income, every cent counts and I have many a time chosen to walk the distance to save on bus and MRT fares, till varicose veins in my legs bulged.
Pioneers in my cohort will not be deceived by the paltry $30/= one off deal Transport Vouchers anymore.
We will vote these mad people out the next general election, period!!!
Born 1946