Why must public transport fares be reviewed every year? Wouldn't that mean commuters will see higher fares year to year?

The practice of making annual fare adjustments helps ensure that fare adjustments are aligned to economic conditions. It allows fare adjustments to be made in regular and smaller steps to moderate the impact on commuters. While public transport fares are reviewed annually, this does not mean commuters will see higher fares every year as the fare formula could yield a positive or negative quantum. In addition, any fare adjustment is subject to the PTC?s evaluation and based on the prevailing conditions at the time of the fare review exercise and guided by the fare review mechanism. If necessary, the PTC will exercise its flexibility to vary the fare adjustment when there are circumstances that justify it, such as adverse economic conditions.