\n<\/p>\n
It has been working with fellow operator Sindo Ferry to fill as many seats as possible on each trip to less-frequented parts of Batam such as Gold Coast. This also provides passengers with more schedule options from both operators.<\/span><\/p>\n If the passenger load on a certain trip is low, Batam Fast will ask travellers if they are willing to go on the next trip instead, said the firm\u2019s general manager of ferry operations Chua Choon Leng.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the best scenario that we can have. If you think that your timing is very critical because you have activities in Batam, then we will transfer you to our interlining partner’s trip,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n Other maritime operators are also feeling the strain.<\/span><\/p>\n YachtCruiseSG, which runs speedboat tours around Singapore\u2019s Southern Islands,\u00a0said\u00a0it now costs about S$800 to refuel a vessel \u2013 up roughly 45 per cent from around S$550 before the conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead of raising prices, the company has reduced the number of daily trips.<\/span><\/p>\n “Instead of five full slots, we’re going to cut down to three so that we minimise the usage of petrol. We are not going to make any money, but we also don’t lose money,\u201d said YachtCruiseSG director Kogu Segaran.<\/span><\/p>\n Another operator, Marina South Ferries, plans to introduce fare increases of 20 to 30 per cent in phases over the coming weeks. Some of its private charter trips have already seen fares rise by 30 per cent.<\/span><\/p>\n Similarly, rising fuel costs are also affecting cross-border bus services between Singapore and Malaysia.<\/span><\/p>\n Operators said they may begin consolidating bus trips after the Hari Raya period, such as reducing departure timings and optimising routes to keep ticket prices stable.<\/span><\/p>\n One firm, Cityline Global, told CNA that diesel costs have increased by around 30 per cent since the conflict began.<\/span><\/p>\nCONSOLIDATING CROSS-BORDER TRIPS<\/span><\/h2>\n