The Fare Review Mechanism Committee (FRMC), a high level 14-member panel studying public transport fares says it will need "additional months" before submitting its recommendations on concessions and a revised fare formula to the Government.
The Straits Times understands that the panel will now take another two to three months before it submits its final report by the end of August. It had originally been slated to submit its final report at the end of this month.
The extra time will be used to gather "quantitative feedback" to ensure that the committee's report is "unbiased and objective", said its chairman, Mr Richard Magnus.
In a blog post yesterday, the former senior district judge said canvassing more views is a "reality-testing step" that will "tie the loose questions" about fare concessions and fare affordability here.
The committee is looking to give concessions to more commuters - especially those on low incomes, the physically challenged, tertiary students and children taller than 0.9 metres.
"Besides grappling with the rising manpower and energy costs to run their operations, the profit-driven operators will also have to meet shareholders' expectations. Yet, we think there is a case for public transport operators to share their gains with commuters," said Mr Magnus.
The fare review committee will also look into how to prioritise the concessions and fund them in a "sustainable manner".
Suggestions included getting full fare-paying commuters to pay slightly more to help the needy and getting the Government to chip in. Other proposals the committee is considering include cheaper season monthly passes that cap the monthly cost of unlimited train and bus rides at $120 or less.
