When it comes to public transport, the common complaint of most Singaporeans are the listings of SMRT and SBS on the Singapore stock exchange. Why is a public transport operator out to make profits from the people? We explore the issue. — Mention the words SMRT, SBS Transit, and profits in the same sentence and you’ll be assured of getting a heated response from any man or woman on the street. Public transport is an emotive issue in Singapore because a large majority of the population use it to get around the island. Therefore, issues of reliability, maintenance, fare hikes and the like are bound to elicit an emotional response, and usually the response is one of disdain and anger. The anger is understandable. When you’re literally crushed between the backpack in front of you and the dank smell of someone who hasn’t seen the inside of a shower ......