Today's Singapore News

The following are stories that are making the headlines over at Topix Singapore News today, edited by yours truly.

-Fares may rise by no more than 1 per cent: Bus and train fares may rise by no more than 1 per cent even though this year's fare adjustment formula allows for a jump of up to 3 per cent.
-Traffic down 40%, speeds up 38% due to new ERP gantries: The five new gantries along the Singapore River have cut traffic volume by up to 40 per cent — higher than the 38 per cent projected.
-S$500 fine per packet of duty-unpaid cigarettes: First-time offenders caught in possession of contraband cigarettes will have to pay a fine of S$500 per packet.
-Judging Singapore's Judiciary: Singapore is unlikely to reform its political or judicial system anytime soon. But when the country is ready to join the ranks of modern democracies, the IBA's recommendations provide a good checklist of how to do so.
-New IU promises smoother ERP rides: Motorists won't have to fret about being caught again with insufficient funds in their CashCards while passing under Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantries thanks to a smarter ERP in-vehicle unit (IU) that can automatically top up a card that has insufficient funds.
-Singapore teens are sexting: "Sexting" is catching on with teenagers in Singapore. It refers to the sending of sexually explicit text or photographs through one's mobile phone to friends or potential suitors.
-Head of Ren Ci Hospital charged: Head of Ren Ci Hospital, the Venerable Shi Ming Yi has been charged with alleged forgery, conspiracy and misuse of funds.
-Increase in school bus fares is anti-competitive: Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) executive director Seah Seng Choon said yesterday that the move to increase school bus fares could breach competition laws, which forbid practices like price-fixing.
-Malaysia does not give in to Singapore: Malaysia does not give in to Singapore to the extent of sacrificing national interests when dealing with the island republic. Instead, it prefers negotiations and referring to the law to resolve issues or disputes with Singapore.
-Outlook bright for Singapore economy: Singapore's transformation into an international cosmopolitan city will help keep the economy buzzing in the medium to long term but analysts warned that the good times may be some time coming.