| NEWS ARCHIVES |
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| Public transport saw a year of consolidation on land |
| 23 Dec 2009 |
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By Asha Popatlal
Public transport saw a year of consolidation on land - as major changes announced last year kicked in.
But in the air, it was a more turbulent story - with airline profits nose-diving in tandem with demand, alongside an ongoing recession.
The newsdesk sums up the year's transport scene.
2009 started off on a sober note - as Singaporeans reeled from the impact of the recession.
There was also not much cheer - even though bus and train fares were cut across the board for the FIRST time.
"Maybe can save more, can do something else."
"At least better than nothing."
The next review is now in July 2010 instead of October, due to changing economic conditions.
Also expected next year - central bus planning by the Land Transport Authority.
The distance-based charging system is also expected to kick in fully by next year.
Moving on to rail, there was some celebration, however, when the Boon Lay MRT extension opened for business in February.
As did five stations along the Circle Line in May.
Although operator SMRT said the initial rider-ship on the Circle Line fell short of projections, things may improve when 11 stations - from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley - open in the first half of 2010.
Changes too for motorists.
The number of COEs in 2009 was cut by 24 percent - as part of efforts to cap annual vehicle growth.
The biggest change though was in the 15-year-old Off-Peak Car Scheme - with the introduction of e-licenses to replace the paper licenses and longer usage hours - to make the scheme more popular.
And numbers have spiked.
Since the change in late-August, LTA figures show that the number opting for Off-Peak cars went up by an average of 14 percent each month, compared to this time last year.
A number that could go higher once rebates kick in, in January.
In the air though, troubled skies for Singapore Airlines.
As demand fell, especially in the money-making premium classes, SIA moved to contain costs.
It cut capacity by 11 percent, implemented wage cuts and got staff to go on unpaid leave.
Still, it warned it may post a loss for the business year ending March 2010 - its the first ever.
While some flights were subsequently restored, it's not out of the woods yet.
However, the downturn proved to be a breakout year for low cost carriers like Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia.
They benefited as passengers went for lower fares - and may well have changed the aviation landscape for the future. |