Last week, The Straits Times spoke to various Singaporeans for their Budget 2013 wish list.

Although they were from different walks of life, one common refrain was a call for the Government to subsidise transport costs for the needy and the disabled.

Miss Nurulasyiqah Mohammad Taha, 29, a civil servant servant at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, for example, said high transportation costs are taking a toll on her financially.

"Whenever it rains, I have to take a London cab or a wheelchair-accessible van from my office to the train station and from the station back home. It costs about $25 to $35 a trip," she said.

Retiree Georgie Chng, 71, and cleaner Tay Keng Leong, 60, had similar worries.

"We'd really appreciate it if the Government can help keep transportation costs low and provide needy families better transport subsidies," said Mr Tay, who earns $640 a month.

Meanwhile, single Linah Lui, 44, an administrator, and Mr Darren Wong, 38, a medical sales personnel, hope for more all-encompassing policies such as singles leave to care for ailing parents at home, and an allowance for stay home mothers.

Mr Steven Long, the general manager of Sheraton Towers Singapore, spoke about his top concerns operating the mid-sized hotel, some of which include the manpower crunch, rising costs and the struggle to find Singaporeans willing to work in the industry.

The Straits Times will revisit these Singaporeans on Monday, after Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam announces the Budget. We will ask them for their take on Budget 2013 and find out if it has met their expectations. Read their views in our Budget Big Story.

For more news and analysis on Singapore Budget 2013, click here for ST's Big Story coverage.