1) Describe the policy
Fares for the public transport system in Singapore are now based on how much distance is travelled, thus decreasing the cost for rides which cover only a short distance. People used to have to pay a minimum amount regardless of where they travel, of course, longer journeys would cost more, but its a fixed amount.
EZ-Link card adult fares:
North South Line and East West Line
- 0km -> 32km: S$0.73 - S$1.96
North East Line and Circle Line
- 0km -> 40.2km: S$0.78 - S$2.21
EZ-Link card senior citizen fares
North South Line and East West Line
- S$0.55 - S$0.86
North East Line and Circle Line
- S$0.59 - S$0.86
EZ-Link card child and student fares
All lines
0km -> 7.2km: S$0.36 - S$0.58
Free travel for children whose height is 0.9m and below.
Note: this video was intentionally silent. You may read the subtitles.
2) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the policy
Advantages:
(a) Rides are charged fairly, people who ride for only a short distance would only pay according to the distance. That way its more fair to them.
(b) Cheaper rides for short distances, as compared to the past system, where fares are charged according to the number of trips (a fixed amount, however longer trips would obviously cost more).
Disadvantages:
(a) People who take long journeys would have to pay more, as the distance is longer.
3) What would happen if the policy were not in place?
People would still have to pay their fares according to the number of trips. A boarding charge used to be imposed for every transfer trip that makes up the journey. It would be more expensive to pay for shorter trips.
References:
http://www.publictransport.sg/content/publictransport/en/homepage/CommutersGuide/fares_ticketing.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fares_and_ticketing_on_the_Mass_Rapid_Transit_(Singapore)
