If you take the bus or MRT every day, you’ve probably already heard the news: public transport fares in Singapore are increasing again from December 27. And whenever fares go up — even by a few cents — the first thing that comes to mind is, “How much more am I going to spend every month?”
The good news? Not every commuter will be affected the same way. Adults, concession holders, seniors, and students will all experience different changes. Some groups will actually see no increase for shorter trips, while others will feel a small bump depending on distance travelled.
To make things easier, here’s a full breakdown of the fare hikes — what’s changing, how much more you’ll pay, and how it might affect your monthly budget.
Let’s dive in.
For Adults (contactless bank cards, SimplyGo, ez-link):
- Trips up to 17.2km → +9 cents
- Trips more than 17.2km → +10 cents
For Concession Card Holders:
- Trips up to 3.2km → No change
- Trips 3.3km to 7.2km → +3 cents
- Trips more than 7.2km → +4 cents
These adjustments apply to both buses and trains, while express bus services will see increases as well, depending on the route.
So while adult commuters see a straightforward 9–10 cent increase, concession card holders experience a more tiered adjustment, with the shortest rides staying the same.
Why Public Transport Prices Are Going Up
Fare reviews generally take into account a few key pressures:
- Rising electricity and fuel costs
- Higher operating and maintenance expenses
- Upgrades to rail and bus systems
- Wage growth and manpower needs
- Expansion and improvement of the public transport network
Singapore’s transport system is large and constantly evolving, so fare adjustments help ensure it remains reliable, safe, and sustainable in the long run.
How Much More Will You Spend Monthly? (Adults)
Let’s break it down into something practical — your wallet.
If your commute is under 17.2km:
- +9 cents per trip
- → ~18 cents per day (two-way commute)
- → About $4.00 per month
- → ~$45 per year
If your commute is above 17.2km:
- +10 cents per trip
- → ~20 cents per day
- → Around $4–$5 per month
- → ~$50–$55 per year
Nothing life-altering, but enough to feel if you’re managing a tight budget.
Impact on Students, Seniors, and Concession Riders
Concession card holders get a gentler adjustment this round.
Your fare changes:
- 0–3.2km → no increase
- 3.3–7.2km → +3 cents
- More than 7.2km → +4 cents
This is especially helpful for students who travel short distances and seniors who rely on public transport for neighbourhood trips.
Express Bus Users: What to Expect
Express bus fares will rise as well, though the exact amounts vary depending on the route and distance. Anyone who depends heavily on these services — especially cross-town commuters — may want to review whether switching to a monthly pass gives better value moving forward.
Are Monthly Passes Worth Considering?
Fare hikes are often a good time to reassess your travel habits.
A pass might be a smarter choice if you:
- travel daily for work and errands
- make multiple trips per day
- have a long commute
- frequently switch between buses and trains
Some monthly passes for certain concession groups will even decrease in price, which means 2025 could be the year they finally make sense for you.
If your current spending is edging close to the cost of a pass, it’s worth running the numbers.
Government Support: What Help Is Available for Lower-Income Households?
To cushion the impact of the fare hike, additional support is available for residents who may feel the pinch more sharply.
Lower-income households — specifically those with a monthly household income per person below $1,800 — will receive $60 public transport vouchers. These vouchers can be used to top up fare cards or buy monthly passes after Dec 27. This helps offset the increase for those who depend heavily on public transport for work, school, or caregiving responsibilities.
Automatic Distribution for Some Households
Residents who qualified for vouchers during the previous year’s fare exercise and who still meet the criteria will automatically receive a new voucher by the end of December. Notification will come through the mail or via SMS, so there’s no need to reapply if you’re already in the system.
For Those Who Didn’t Receive a Notice
Households that didn’t get a notification in December can still apply. Applications will be accepted:
- Online, or
- In person at community centres
starting in early 2026.
Once a household receives the notification letter, they can redeem the voucher through the SimplyGo app, at any SimplyGo kiosk, or at ticket offices.
The vouchers for this 2025 cycle will remain valid until March 31, 2027, giving households plenty of time to use them.
Where the Funding Comes From
As part of the fare adjustment exercise, rail operators SBS Transit and SMRT will also contribute to the Public Transport Fund — a pool designed to support such assistance schemes. Around 20% of their expected additional revenue from the fare hikes will be channelled into this fund, contributing over $10 million collectively.
This helps ensure that commuters who need the most support receive some relief despite rising operational costs.
How Much Will This Realistically Change Your Routine?
For most adults, the increase is small enough that it won’t drastically shift your travel behaviour. But it can still affect:
- monthly budgets
- households with multiple school-going children
- part-time workers taking several trips per day
- commuters who depend on express buses
Being aware of these changes helps you stay prepared — and opens up opportunities to adjust your transport habits if needed.
Tips to Keep Your Transport Spending in Check
Here are some simple ways to minimise your transport costs:
- Track your monthly transport spending
- Compare your current cost vs. monthly pass options
- Use transfer-friendly routes
- Check your eligibility for concession schemes
- Travel off-peak when possible
Little tweaks like these can help you offset the impact of fare increases without changing your daily routine too much.
The Bottomline
Fare hikes are never fun, but understanding how they affect you — and what support is available — helps you manage the change with less stress. For most commuters, the additional cost comes to just a few dollars a month, but lower-income families will have support to help ease the transition.
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