Overview: A 5% Fare Increase in 2025
Singapore’s public transport fares are increasing for adult passengers by nine or 10 cents per journey starting December 27, as part of an overall 5% hike for 2025. Concessionary fares for seniors, students, people with disabilities, and low-wage workers will rise by three to four cents. The Public Transport Council (PTC) announced the adjustments as part of its annual fare review, with the new reference period for fare changes aiming to better reflect current cost pressures.
Details of the Fare Changes
For adult card fares, the increase is nine cents for trips up to 17.2 km, and 10 cents for longer journeys. Examples include:
- A Tanah Merah to Tanjong Pagar MRT ride (about 14 km) will be $2.02, up from $1.93.
- A trip to Jurong East (26.2 km) will be $2.42, up from $2.32.
Concessionary fares will see smaller increases: three cents for journeys between 3.3 km and 7.2 km, and four cents for trips longer than 7.2 km. For a senior on the MRT from Tanah Merah to Paya Lebar (6.1 km), the fare rises to 94 cents from 91 cents, and $1.07 to Jurong East from $1.03 for longer journeys.
Short concessionary journeys of up to 3.2 km remain unchanged, benefiting many students and workers who rely on quick trips to schools, workplaces, or amenities.
Express Buses and Cash Fares
Express buses will see higher fares to reflect their premium service, with adult riders paying 49 to 50 cents more per ride—comprising up to 10 cents base increase plus a 40-cent express premium. Concessionary riders face a 20 to 24-cent rise, including the premium. For example, an adult paying $2.37 for a 10 km express bus ride will move to $2.86, while a senior’s fare will rise from $1.48 to $1.72 for the same route.
Cash fares on public buses also increase, by 20 cents for adults, 10 cents for seniors and people with disabilities, and five cents for students. Cash payments constitute a small share of trips, with fares last raised in 2023.
Support Measures to Mitigate the Impact
To cushion the rise, monthly travel passes will drop by 5% from December 27. The new rates are:
– Adults: $122 (down from $128)
– Seniors and persons with disabilities: $55 (down from $58)
– Low-wage workers under the Workfare Transport Concession Scheme: $92 (down from $96)
Approximately 155,000 passengers are expected to benefit from the reduced passes. Additionally, the Government will issue public transport vouchers valued at $60 per eligible household to help with top-ups for fare cards or passes.
Cost Factors and the New Reference Period
The PTC has adopted a new reference period for fare adjustments, extending responsiveness to rising costs. From 2026, cost factors such as energy prices and wages will be assessed from July to June of the review year, shortening the lag before fare changes take effect. For 2025, data spanning January 2024 to June 2025 was used as a transitional measure.
Despite the increases, the council notes that the overall adjustment remains within the allowed cap of 14.4%, with portions of the rise deferred to future reviews as needed. The government has pledged additional subsidies to help households cope and to support ongoing public transport investments.
Why This Matters for Commuters
Public transport is a lifeline for many Singaporeans. The 5% rise in 2025 balances cost pressures faced by operators with the government’s subsidy commitments and fare-adjustment mechanisms designed to shield vulnerable groups. The new framework aims to reflect real-time economic conditions more accurately, reducing the time between when costs rise and fares are updated.
Looking Ahead
As the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme and other investments continue, fares will remain a focal point of policy discussions. The government’s subsidies, plus targeted concessions and vouchers, are intended to ensure that public transport remains affordable while sustaining service quality and reliability for all riders.
