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

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Legacy EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay cards to be phased out for public transport fares from June 2024

Switch to SimplyGo Banner

Have you seen the news?

Starting from 1 June 2024, you won’t be able to use your old EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay cards to pay for public transportation fares anymore.

Additionally, the old EZ-Link cards also won’t work for retail payments.

But you can still use the NETS FlashPay and EZ-Link cards for driving-related payments like Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and parking fees.

usage of cards

Image Credits: channelnewsasia.com

The Land Transport Authority is moving everyone over to the SimplyGo system by June 2024 since most people are already using SimplyGo EZ-Link or contactless bank cards.

Apparently, about two-thirds of adult fare payments are with one of those options now. 

But there’s good news for folks like seniors, students, and those with disabilities who are using concession cards as y’all don’t need to change anything.

If you have an old EZ-Link card, you can upgrade it to SimplyGo at any ticket machine, SimplyGo office, or service center.

You can keep using the same card.

To find out if your card is a SimplyGo EZ-Link card, check to see if you can find the SimplyGo logo/text:

SimplyGo logo or text

Image Credits: ezlink.com.sg

Anyway, just in case you need reminders, starting at the end of March, the ticket machines will remind you to upgrade your old EZ-Link card when you add money to it.

For NETS FlashPay users, you have 6 months to swap your card for a FREE NETS Prepaid Card from 19 January to 18 July at SimplyGo locations such as ticket offices or ticketing service centers.

Or you can choose other SimplyGo payment methods like contactless bank cards.

For the stored value left on your old cards, you can either use it for other non-transit payments or get a refund.

To encourage people to upgrade, EZ-Link is doing a lucky draw until 31 May where 1,000 people can each win up to 6 months of FREE transit rides.

EZ-Link lucky draw

Image Credits: ezlink.com.sg

To qualify, you just need to add your SimplyGo EZ-Link card to the SimplyGo app and then make one bus or train ride.

Easy peasy!

Here are the draw dates so may the SimplyGo force be with you:

EZ-Link lucky draw dates

Image Credits: ezlink.com.sg

Even if you’re not joining the lucky draw, it’s still a good idea to download the SimplyGo app to check your trips and add money to your card remotely when you need an urgent top-up.

But if you don’t have the app, you can still check balances and trips at the ticket machines.

Just note that since SimplyGo transactions are like credit/debit cards, you won’t see deductions or balances at station gates or on buses, yeah?

And that’s about all we have for you.

If everything written here has been too much for your fried brain to take in, just take heart that staff will be at stations and interchanges to help people upgrade and provide information on how to download and use the app.

So relax, and breathe 🙂

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Public Transit Fare Adjustments: Increment of 10 to 11 Cents Since Dec 23

Public transport fares for buses and MRT have seen an increase of 10 to 11 cents per journey for adult card fares since December 23. Meanwhile, adult cash fares, still accepted for bus rides, have experienced a steeper increase of 20 cents.

Commuters using concession cards, on the other hand, have faced a more modest increase of 4 to 5 cents per journey, while concessionary cash fares for bus rides have gone up by 10 cents.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT

The Public Transport Council (PTC) announced an overall seven percent increase in public transport fares, emphasizing that this is only a third of the 22.6 percent maximum quantum. The hike is attributed to the persistent rise in energy prices, core inflation, and robust wage growth in 2022.

Despite the economic factors driving the increase, the PTC clarified that it granted only a 7 percent increase “to keep public transport fares affordable in this higher cost environment.” Additionally, 15.6 percent will be rolled over to future fare review exercises.

To mitigate the impact on commuters, the Government has allocated an additional S$300 million in subsidy to defer allowable fare adjustments to future reviews, up from the S$200 million provided the previous year. This subsidy is in addition to the annual S$2 billion in public transport subsidies given by the Government.

The fare adjustment is expected to generate approximately S$137.4 million in additional revenue for public transport operators annually.

Image Credits: lta.gov.sg

POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS

Amidst the fare increases, there are positive developments for certain groups. Heavy users of public transport belonging to concessionary groups, such as students, seniors, and full-time National Servicemen, will benefit from a reduction of up to 10% in the hybrid (bus and train) monthly concession passes.

Furthermore, a new monthly concession pass will be introduced for Workfare Transport Concession Scheme Cardholders, aimed at assisting lower-wage workers.

In an effort to support lower-income households further, the Ministry of Transport has announced the provision of public transport vouchers worth S$50 each. These vouchers will be available to resident households with a monthly income per person not exceeding S$1,600 and can be used to top up fare cards or purchase monthly passes.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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5 Cheapest Car Insurance Plans in Singapore

Navigating the complex landscape of car insurance in Singapore requires a keen understanding of both the costs and benefits associated with various plans. In this analysis, we’ve scrutinized multiple insurance providers to offer you a comprehensive overview of your options. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most prominent insurance plans available, helping you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs and budget.

Allianz Motor Protect: Affordable Comprehensive Coverage
Starting at S$865.05, Allianz Motor Protect stands out for its budget-friendly yet comprehensive coverage. With flexible excess options and a unique “Agreed Value Payout at Total Loss” benefit, this plan caters to individuals seeking economical coverage without compromising on essential features.

Etiqa Comprehensive: Tailored Excess Options
Etiqa Comprehensive, starting from S$835.26, offers the flexibility of choosing your excess level, allowing you to align your premiums with your financial comfort zone. This plan also stands out with lower vulnerable driver excess, translating to potential savings and making it an attractive option for those who prefer customizable plans.

Singlife Lite: Affordable Option for Young Drivers
Priced at S$1,311.58, Singlife Lite offers competitive premiums, particularly benefiting young and inexperienced drivers. With waived excesses for windshield repairs and drivers falling into these categories, immediate savings are ensured in case of accidents. Additionally, the reduced NCD deduction of only 10% for ‘at-fault’ claims helps you save money and maintain your NCD discount more easily.

NTUC Drivo: Popular Choice with Loyalty Benefits
NTUC Drivo, starting from S$1,935, is a popular choice in Singapore. Its comprehensive coverage, reasonable premiums, and competitive benefits make it a favorite among drivers. Moreover, loyalty to NTUC can lead to additional savings, including a free NCD protector after two consecutive years of 50% NCD, further reducing your premiums.

FWD: Best Value Comprehensive Coverage
FWD, priced from S$2,138, offers extensive coverage with competitive benefits. While it has slightly higher premiums, the marginal difference translates to just S$14 more per month than the closest competitor. FWD stands out with substantial legal cost coverage and a unique one-time payout of S$250,000 for surviving children if both parents are involved in a car accident, providing valuable additional protection.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Each option presents a balance between affordability and comprehensive benefits, ensuring that you can find a plan tailored to your specific requirements and financial considerations. Remember to carefully assess your needs and preferences before making a decision, ensuring that you select a plan that offers the right coverage for your unique situation.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Cross Island Line Phase 1 Targets to Be Completed by 2030

On January 18, the construction of the Cross Island Line (CRL) Phase 1 began. It is the country’s eighth MRT line. The interchanges for Phases 1 and 2 will include Hougang on the North-East Line, Ang Mo Kio on the North-South Line, Bright Hill on the Thomson-East Coast Line, Pasir Ris and Clementi on the East-West Line, and King Albert Park on the Downtown Line. The details for Phase 3 of the CRL will be released later.

According to Land Transport Authority, CRL sets a record as the longest fully underground line.

“Our eighth MRT line, the Cross Island Line will be our longest fully underground line at more than 50 kilometers long. It will serve existing and future developments in the eastern, western, and north-eastern corridors, connecting major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and Changi region.

When operational, it will have the highest number of interchange stations, with almost half the stations on the line being linked to existing rail stations. This means more alternative travel routes to get to your destination.”

The 29-kilometre-long Phase 1 of the CRL will include 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill. This will be beneficial for the residential and industrial areas such as Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North, and Ang Mo Kio. It is estimated that more than 100,000 households will be served from Phase 1 of CRL. Furthermore, common recreational spaces such as Changi Beach Park and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park will become accessible through public transportation. Construction for Phase 1 of CRL is targeted to be completed by 2030.

Image Credits: lta.gov.sg

The second phase is approximately 15 kilometers and comprises six underground stations such as Turf City, King Albert Park, Maju, Clementi, West Coast, and Jurong Lake District. The Environmental Impact Study for Phase 2 of CRL has been completed and reports are made available.

The construction works for CRL – Punggol Extension are expected to start by the end of 2022 and targeted to be completed by 2032.

Transport Minister S Iswaran highlights that this massive project is not without its challenges as its construction will “test the professional mettle of our engineers and all our partners”.

He added: “That means having a tunnel that goes through a wide variety of soil conditions at different stretches, ranging from soft marine clay to extremely hard rock.” Special machines and added precautions will be needed to ensure the safety of the workers and the stability of the ground.

Rail expansion is a key thrust in Singapore’s comprehensive effort to enhance its transport system – from the first to the last mile, said the transport minister. The CRL is set to improve the lives of its residents and workers nearby. It also gives people access to the beautiful attractions that they offer.

Let’s see what CRL offers in the year 2030!

Sources: 1 & 2

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