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LTA’s Reversal on SimplyGo Transition Eases Commuters’ Concerns

In the midst of discussing the switch from EZ-link to SimplyGo with my parents, their confusion about the complexities and reasoning behind it became apparent. However, Singapore’s plan to fully embrace SimplyGo for adult public transport fares has hit a speed bump.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has decided to postpone the original June 1 deadline, allocating S$40 million to extend the use of EZ-link cards and Nets FlashPay cards for adult commuters.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat assured the public that this delay is a response to concerns raised by commuters. Just under two weeks after the announcement that non-upgraded Nets FlashPay and EZ-link adult cards would be ineligible for public transport payments from June 1, the LTA made a U-turn, considering the inconvenience faced by commuters.

COMMUTERS’ PLIGHT

The most significant concern was the disruption faced by commuters during the upgrade process. Many were displeased about losing the ability to view their stored-value card balance and fare deduction at fare gates and bus card-readers.

The LTA’s initial announcement had created uncertainty about the duration of this transition, leaving commuters in limbo. However, the recent decision to postpone the full adoption of SimplyGo doesn’t come with a specified time frame.

Image Credits: unslash.com

Acknowledging the challenges faced by commuters, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat issued an apology for the delays experienced during the conversion of existing EZ-link cards. He admitted that better preparation could have avoided these inconveniences.

MOVING FORWARD

In an effort to address these issues, LTA has taken steps to improve the SimplyGo app and expedite the card conversion process. Furthermore, for commuters who recently purchased or converted their old EZ-link cards to SimplyGo, the LTA is offering an exchange for their original card at no cost.

As the authorities work to smooth out the wrinkles in the transition process, commuters hope that a more seamless shift to SimplyGo will happen in the future.

Sources: 1 & 2

Bid goodbye to your travel cards. Tap and pay with your Mastercard Debit or Credit Cards from Mar 20.

Bid goodbye to your ez-link cards.

From 20 March 2017, commuters can tap and pay for public buses and MRT using their contactless Mastercard Debit or Credit cards. The transaction will be billed to you thereafter, which means that you can now travel without the hassle of carrying a separate travel card and to do top-ups from the machines.

According to LTA, this will be a 6-month pilot trial of the Account Based Ticketing System.

You can register your interest at the TransitLink ABT Portal from 20 March here, if you have not done so with your banks.

Share this news with your friends and loved ones!

LTA: Free Pre-Peak MRT Rides Extended For Another Year (Jun 2016)

LTA has announced in a press release that they will be extending the Free Pre-Peak Travel on MRT for another year to 30 June 2016.

That is certainly good news for commuters who take the effort to make changes to their daily routine — not only can they save money, it helps to reduce congestion and thus improving the ride satisfaction.

Commuters who exit before 7.45am at the 18 designated MRT stations* in the city area will not have fares deducted for their MRT rides.

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport Mrs Josephine Teo said:

The proportion of commuters who have shifted their travel patterns due to the Free Pre-peak Travel scheme is significant and has stabilised after two years. The scheme is an important foundation on which we can build on for our other travel demand management efforts, which includes our Travel Smart Programme, Travel Smart Rewards and the new Off-Peak Pass^[2] that we are introducing in July this year. We hope that more people, who are able and willing to shift their travelling times, will benefit.

* The 18 designated stations are Bayfront, Bras Basah, Bugis, Chinatown, City Hall, Clarke Quay, Dhoby Ghaut, Downtown, Esplanade, Lavender, Marina Bay, Orchard, Outram Park, Promenade, Raffles Place, Somerset, Tanjong Pagar and Telok Ayer.

Guide To Singapore’s Public Transport: Saving Benefits And Tips

Singapore’s Public Transportation aids in the nation’s economic and environmental challenges. Most locals prefer to travel via train or bus just because it is safe, fast, and efficient. On that note, here are the background, tips, and benefits of traveling thru Public Transportation…

BACKGROUND

1. TRAIN OR MASS RAPID TRANSIT (MRT)

As most parts of Singapore are accessible by the MRT, it proves to be an affordable and convenient option. Get cheaper rates by traveling with a concession card (i.e., Child Concession Card, Student Concession Card, NSF Concession Card, and Senior Citizen Concession Card). In fact, Senior Citizen Concession Card get 25% off adult fares all day.

If you are a tourist, you are in luck! The MRT stations are made to be merely walking distance from the notable attractions such as the museums.

2. BUS

The buses provide the most picturesque view of the Lion City at budget-friendly fares ranging from S$1-3. All the children below 7 years old get to enjoy free travel. It is important to know that all commuters are charged based on their total distance traveled (i.e., no transfer costs) whether it is by bus or by train. So, the fares depend on your location and destination.

TIPS

1. MOVE TO THE CENTER OF THE TRAIN

Moving to the center of the MRT does not only help passengers to smoothly go in and out but it will also help you to get a seat.

2. CHECK YOUR BELONGINGS

Always take care of your valuables. Although your lost item can be retrieved, there is a slim chance that the finder may choose to keep it.

3. GET AN ESTIMATE OF YOUR DISTANCE FARE

Use the standard online calculator available here to estimate your travel costs. Find alternative routes to get the cheapest fare.

BENEFITS

1. SAVE CASH

It is no surprise that Public Transportation saves you more money as the price of owning a car here is overwhelming. Adding to that, going by bus or by train can help you beat the petrol price hike and the cost for maintaining a vehicle.

2. SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Public Transportation saves our environment as it reduces carbon emissions, petrol consumption, and congestion. Imagine if every family owns a car, given the scarcity of land, congestion will unfold.

Aside from preventing congestion, it is more energy efficient that private cars. According to the Land Transport Authority, the average carbon footprint per 10 km released by bus is 0.19kg while the by train is 0.13kg. This is smaller compared to the carbon footprint released by a private car (1.87kg)!

3. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

Access to Public Transportation enables you to walk to and from the bus or MRT station. That is a no-cost way to exercise! Also, it avoids the stress you may get from driving especially during rush hours.

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

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