Public transport operator SMRT said it plans to apply next week for a fare revision, citing rising operating costs and lower profits. Said an SMRT spokesman on Monday: "We seek a better alignment between fares and operating costs, and will be submitting our application for a fare review in the coming weeks."

The other public transport operator, SBS Transit, is likely to do the same.

Applications for fare adjustments are now open and public transport operators must apply by Dec 19, said the Public Transport Council said on Tuesday.

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew told Parliament last week that the Government would accept the recommendations of the Fare Review Mechanism Committee which had been tasked to review public transport fares.

The recommendations included providing more concessions and subsidies for vulnerable groups and students. Full-paying adult commuter will face the sharpest rises in their fares to help pay for some subsidies. Mr Lui said that any increase should not exceed this year's average wage rise. That number is not out yet, but economists predicted it could be up to 5 per cent.