The fare review committee will push back its recommendations to the end of May.

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew, who made this announcement Friday morning, said that he wants the committee to take more time to "delve deeper" into making fares affordable and extending fare concessions to certain groups that are "facing concerns and pressures". These groups include the lower income and those with disabilities.

Mr Lui said he wants the 13-member panel, led by former senior District Judge Richard Magnus, to look at the concessions that are already offered now and "see what more could be done and they should make a recommendation on this area".

The fare review committee, which was tasked last June to review how fares for public bus and train services are set, were expected to give their recommendations early this year.

Mr Lui was speaking on the sidelines of a visit to SBS Transit's Sengkang depot.

When asked how the new fare formula will reconcile the rising operating costs of public transport operators with the desire for more affordable fares, Mr Lui said he would wait for the committee to submit its report and recommendations.

"Basically, the money will have to come from somewhere. Who and how much they should bear, that's something for further discussion," he said.