SMRT's net profit down despite rise in revenue

Higher rail and bus expenses dent earnings for second quarter

Higher bus and rail expenses weighed heavily on SMRT Corp's bottom line, pulling down its second-quarter earnings despite a notable rise in revenue.

The transport operator's net profit attributable to shareholders shrank by 2.2 per cent to $33.33 million for the quarter that ended on Sept 30.

This was on the back of a 7.7 per cent rise in revenue to $281.24 million.

Total operating costs rose 10.3 per cent to $246.75 million, led by staff costs, which grew by $8.29 million, or 9.7 per cent.