Constructive, nation-building CNA visited Taipei and reported
How Taipei Metro turned itself around – and the lessons for Singapore’s MRT system
It suffered a spate of delays, then became one of the world’s most reliable subway systems. Talking Point travelled to Taipei to find out how the system is run.Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/cnainsider/taipei-metro-subway-system-lessons-singapore-smrt-breakdowns-10046044
So far (and beyond), constructive, nation-building stuff.
But buried really deep in the report, there are things that contradict Hard Truths:
— “To appease the public, the Taipei Metro gave fare discounts …”
Where got this here? I don’t count the “early bird” scheme.
— “The Taipei Metro is nationalised and is majority-owned by the Taipei City government … the metro boss is Mayor Ko Wen-je – who is also one of Taipei’s most recognisable commuters, as he takes the train to work.”
Khaw or Ho got like this meh? Let alone Chairman and CEO of SMRT?
— The Mayor “told Talking Point that ticket fares have not changed in the past 20-something years.”
PAP MP Cheng Li Hui (Was she brown-nosing when she said it was wrong to cut fares, or juz stupid?) should note the above. As should other PAPpies including ministers.
— He also said: “If profit is the only criterion … then very quickly, the public transport will break down.”
PAP MP Cheng Li Hui (Was she brown-nosing when she said it was wrong to cut fares, or juz dumb?) should note the above. As should other PAPpies including ministers
Public tpt services tend to be unprofitable and low margin. No surprise why pappies wanted to corporatise them & flog their shares onto public investors.
Luckily pappies are much more mercenary than Taiwanese; they actually wanted to see fat profits, never mind if the pappy-loving sinkies have to suffer like sardines. Thanks to conflict of interest Temasek being a major shareholder.
I actually benefited from fat dividends and relatively good capital growth up till the Ferrari-driving m’sian saleswoman’s tenure.