Govt to assess effectiveness of early travel discount scheme

SINGAPORE: Three to four per cent of MRT commuters have moved their travelling times into the Central Business District out of the peak 8am to 9am period since the SMRT implemented its Early Travel Discount Scheme.

In Parliament on Wednesday, Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said the scheme was enhanced from 10 cents to 30 cents in October 2011, and then to 50 cents last August when the scheme was extended to include the Circle Line.

Mrs Teo was replying to MP for Pasir Ris—Punggol GRC, Gan Thiam Poh had asked if the scheme could be extended to other stations with high human traffic, other lines and travel during other non—peak hours.

She said: "We should bear in mind that travel behaviours take time to change because commuters and employers need time to accommodate new travel and work arrangements. Accordingly, travel patterns cannot be expected to shift so rapidly. Therefore, we will continue to monitor and assess the effectiveness of the early travel discount scheme for a period of time before deciding whether to make further changes."

Mrs Teo thanked Mr Gan for his suggestions to enhance the scheme and assured him that the ministry will consider them for the next review of the scheme.

— CNA/fa