How SMRT will be hit by government's free train rides

Operating costs expected to rise marginally.

According to DBS, as the trial will be funded by the government, (said to cost S$10m according to The Straits Times), it does not foresee any direct impact on SMRT or CD at this juncture arising from the provision of free travel and discounts during the aforementioned timings.

However, DBS said it is expected that train trips will be increased during this period to shorten waiting times, and therefore should increase operating costs marginally.

On a positive note, this may alter travel patterns, relief pressure on peak hour travel and may also improve overall public transport ridership, added DBS.

Here's more:

Free travel on MRT trains on weekday mornings.
Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced this morning that it will embark on a one-year trial starting from 24 Jun 13 to provide free travel on the rail network for commuters who end their journey before 7.45am on weekdays at 16 designated MRT stations in the city area.

In addition, commuters who exit these 16 stations between 7.45am to 8am will be given a discount of up to 50 cents off their train fare. The government will be funding this trial.

The objective of this trial is to encourage commuters to make changes to their travel schedule into the city area to spread out the morning peak hour crowds.

What are the changes from the current scheme?
Currently, a 50 cents discount is given for commuters who exit at 14 city stations before 7.45am from Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays). Refer to table below for a summary of changes.

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