Currently, there are relatively fewer transfer journeys than one might expect. In part, this is because of the premium that must be paid for transfers - so commuters tend to end their ride and walk whenever the distance is walkable. Although each transfer in a journey receives a 25-cent rebate, it is not enough to offset the cost of the base fare imposed on each leg. Transfer-commuters can end up paying as much as 50 per cent more than direct commuters travelling similar distances. The plan now is to increase the rebate until there is no discrepancy between transfer and direct commute charges. True, the two-stage restructuring, expected to begin in October and be completed in the second phase by late next year, will likely result in higher fares for those on direct journeys. But that needs to be looked on as an investment towards greater overall efficiency, and which should be shared by commuters alongside transport operators.

The importance of fare restructuring for transfer commuters cannot be overstated. Unlike Hong Kong, for instance, Singapore's population is less densely concentrated and its residential footprint is more widely spread. For those who live in far-from-town suburbs, this means they either must walk further to catch a direct bus or train to their destinations, or must make their journeys with transfers. We suspect that the current premium on transfers also acts as a disincentive for a certain amount of discretionary travel, so the restructuring is likely to increase such ridership, too. Bus route changes to reflect all this should make journeys and the system even more efficient. And the better capacity utilisation that would result might lead to increased services that reduce wait times. One more bonus from the fare restructuring is that a better streamlined public-transport system can only help in discouraging private vehicle use.