On 5 July Monday morning, I took the same journey as I have traveled before to check the new fare system. I took a bus from Teban Gardens before 9 a.m. I got down at Jurong East one stop prior the MRT Station. I used to do so because the concession rate for the elder only applied after 9 a.m. In order to save 22 cents, I got down one stop before the MRT Station and had my breakfast there. After my breakfast, I walked to the MRT Station and enjoyed the concession rate. On 5 July when I got out at Lavendar Station, I checked the fares and compared.

The same distance with the same way of traveling, I paid the total amount of 69 + 18 = 87 cents.
On 5 July, I paid 71 + 96 = 167 cents. The different was 80 cents.

It was not an issue for me during the years I worked and had a regular monthly income. But it would be something for a retired elder for a different of 80 cents per trip. There was why there were complains from the elders. After reading the reply, I was very disappointed. There was no audience for the elders. The statistics figures worked behind the closed doors was not convincing at all.

What is the object for the old people to squeeze in the public transport in the early morning? They could spend more times in bed. That was a key point to think about!
Some old people were traveling to take care of their grandchildren, so that their children could go to work with a peaceful mind. Those elders were contributing to the nation.
Some old people were going to work. They lived on their own with the low income. They did not load the burden to our society on the welfare problem. Why not to help them?
Giving those elders concession to reduce their fares was a way to help increasing the wages.
The old people ever contribute to our nation when they were young. Removing the restriction of concession would help them during their non-income old ages. There is a responsibility for a company to contribute to the society. To provide loving care to the elders is one of the ways.

A few years ago, I used to see fellow elders standing outside the entrance of MRT Stations. We were looking at the electronic sign board and waiting for 7 p.m. to display. That was the 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. concession restriction time over. We were the 7 o'clock elders. The previous fare changed made us a little bit happier as the restriction for 4 - 7 p.m. was removed. When the new system implemented recently, I thought the morning restriction time would be removed and we did not need to be the 9 o'clock elders!

It is true that a company should make profit. But the company has to project a good image other than making money. Contributing to the society is a responsibility and good public relations for a company. It was not a good image for the elders waiting at the entrance for the concession. I do not think that the company will suffer from a deficit when it provides the whole day concession. It may make less income! When giving the concession to the elders, do not mention that the company will lose millions dollars annually! There should be excellent public relations professional in the company. They could use more positive words with tender feeling. For example, we appreciate the contribution of the elders. We support the elders spending the golden years to contribute to the country. We take care of the elders. Hence we give concession to the elders.

There are some suggestions.
1. Remove the restriction time for concession.
2. The highest fare for the elders who do not have any transfer to be 71 cents.
3. The distance fares system continues to apply for the elders who have to transfer and the highest fare to be 86 cents.
4. Give the elders a listening ear and assist the nation to build up a gracious society.
It needs time to amend the system. But it should not need more than three months.