SBS Transit and SMRT are asking to increase fares. This is inspite of recorded increase in their profits without a corresponding improvement in the services.

Since March this year I have written numerous letters to SBS Transit on the issue of over-deduction of bus fares. Each time I write I will receive a reply asking me to make a claim. I have highlighted to both SBS Transit and MOT in my letters that commuters may not be aware there is an over-deduction unless one checks the machine each time after tapping out. This is not always possible when the bus is crowded and there are many people waiting behind to tap out. I have even disclosed that I am a senior citizen with arthritis and my safety is compromised whenever I have to check after tapping out. I have reiterated that over-deduction of fares is unfair to commuters who do not know that they are over-charged for their journey and more so to those who do not know how to file claims. I am sure there are many such people out there. I am thinking of older and not so literate folks who have to eke out a living. To these folks a few cents matter.

I filed and received refunds for two claims each in the months of May, June and so far July too. This shows how frequently over-deduction occurs on our buses and this is with someone who does not work every day. Even if over-deduction takes place twice a month on an average per passenger, we need only to multiply this by the number of daily commuters and the figure is significant to warrant a solution. Yet when I wrote to SBS Transit, MOT and also twice to Minister Lui Tuck Yew for action to rectify the fault, none is forth coming.

I am resigned to accepting that neither SBS Transit nor MOT wants to or can arrest the problem of over-deduction of fares. I am fortunate to know how to check though I am not always able to do so and fortunate to know how to file claims.