This follows a 5% rise in 2025 and is attributed to a substantial increase in energy prices between July 2025 and June 2026, driven by the Middle East conflict. The adjustment will generate an additional S$176.9 million annually in fare revenue, with SBS Transit Rail and SMRT Trains seeing S$26.9 million and S$52.9 million increases, respectively. The fare hike, announced on Tuesday, September 29, will take effect on December 26, according to the PTC.
The NTWU, responding to the fare increase, called for the benefits of the adjustment to be shared with transport workers, urging operators and tripartite partners to ensure fair revenue distribution. NTWU believes that when fare adjustments take into account rising costs, including wages and energy costs, the public transport workforce should also share meaningfully in the additional revenue generated,
the union stated in a Facebook post. It added that the increase should translate into better wages, annual increments, bonuses, and improvements in workers’ welfare. The union emphasized that Singapore must continue investing in its workforce to sustain service quality.
Union calls for public transport workers to get better
The fare adjustment, which is higher than last year’s 5% increase, will result in adult card users paying 12 to 13 cents more per journey—a record increase in cash terms. Fare revenue for bus services and the Thomson-East-Cost Line, collected by the Land Transport Authority, will rise by S$97.1 million to sustain operational costs.
The NTWU also raised concerns about instances of harassment and abusive behavior directed at transport workers following the fare adjustment announcement, calling such behavior “unacceptable.” NTWU has zero tolerance for any form of harassment or abuse against transport workers, regardless of any frustrations over fare increases,
the union said. It stressed that transport workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity as they continue serving commuters every day.
The PTC acknowledged the challenge of balancing cost pressures with affordability for commuters. We recognize that commuters are managing increases in their day-to-day expenses, and we therefore wanted to avoid imposing the full adjustment (of 14.7 per cent) at one go, the council stated. The PTC reiterated its commitment to keeping public transport affordable for commuters today while ensuring high-quality and financially sustainable services for the years ahead.
Washington state worker union OKs new contract with no
Transport operators, including SBS Transit and SMRT, have also faced pressure to address worker welfare. The fare hike includes a S$97.1 million increase for the Thomson-East-Cost Line, funded by the Land Transport Authority. Meanwhile, monthly travel passes for adults will remain unchanged, while seniors and people with disabilities will continue paying a reduced rate. Cash payments, which make up a small fraction of transactions, will see a 5-cent increase.
The NTWU’s call for fair revenue distribution comes amid broader concerns about the financial sustainability of public transport. The union argued that the benefits of the fare hike must be shared with workers, who are essential to maintaining service quality. Singapore must continue investing in the people who deliver the service every day,
the union stated. It also highlighted the need for policies that protect workers from harassment and ensure their well-being.
The PTC’s decision to implement the fare increase reflects the impact of global economic conditions, including the Middle East conflict, which has driven energy price volatility. The council emphasized that the fare adjustment is necessary to manage rising operational costs while maintaining service quality. However, the NTWU’s demands underscore the ongoing dialogue between labor unions and transport operators over how to balance financial pressures with worker welfare.
The union’s stance on harassment and abuse highlights the broader challenges faced by public transport workers. Transport workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity,
the NTWU reiterated. The union’s zero-tolerance policy for abuse aligns with efforts to create a safer work environment for transport staff, who are often at the forefront of public dissatisfaction during fare adjustments.