mrt Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

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

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

Transportation Hacks For Every Singaporean

Getting around Singapore can either be a breeze or a storm. It is up to you to weigh your options. Nonetheless, you may use this guide to travel from one place to another without a personal vehicle.

PLAN YOUR TRIP AHEAD

To budget your transportation expenses, you may plan your trip ahead of time. You can use fare calculators to complete the task. With an extensive collection of MRT lines and bus services, you may not be able to memorize each route or fare.

Know the most affordable way to get to your destination by checking GoThere.sg. You may also download the lite version of the app for free or plan your route the latest MRT map.

DO NOT TAP OUT

There will be days when you cannot hold your pee any longer! Not to mention, there will be times when nature calls at the worst places.

If you find yourself within the CBD area, simply alight at Bugis station and use the toilet within its gantry area. This will save you money without having to tap out. As this toilet is meant for the people who need it most (e.g., PWDs), please exercise courtesy.

CHOOSE YOUR CABIN WISELY

All our movements inside the train station are fueled by time. There are times when you have to settle with the cabin in front of you. Otherwise, the door will shut! Then, you have to endure the distance from your cabin to the escalator.

When you have time to spare, choose your cabin wisely. Avoid the mini “pilgrimage” by entering the cabin that opens directly to the escalator at your exit. A nifty app called Singapore MRT Lah 2.0 may help you. This app lists the quickest routes out of the train station. See for yourself!

ENJOY FREE WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

Commuting can be boring for some. Thus, these people may turn to their phones for entertainment. Spiraled into the online abyss, you may encounter some ads. You do not know how much data a video ad can consume! So, reduce your mobile data consumption by tapping into areas that offer free WiFi spots.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Simply download the Wireless@SG app via the App Store or Google Play. Register to enjoy free wireless connectivity at a variety of stations.

Sources: 1 & 2

VISA: $30 rebate on first EZ-Link Card Auto Top-up (1 Jun – 31 Jul 2015)

VISA has launched a new promotion and is rebating $30 credit back to your EZ-Link Card.

From 1 Jun to 31 Jul 2015, the first 992 eligible cardholders who make a minimum of $30 top-up selection on their EZ-Link card will receive a $30 rebate on their first top-up.

You need to register for the EZ-Reload auto top-up using your VISA credit or debit card.

Steps:
1. Apply for EZ-Reload by clicking on EZ-Reload by Card on http://ezlink.com.sg/ez-reload-auto-top-up

2. Fill up the application form. (Make sure you select $30 on the “EZ-Reload amount”)

3. You will receive

An acknowledgement email within 24 hours
An SMS with the Activation code (ARN) within 3 working days
A second email with your application status within 5 working days

4. Activate EZ-Reload with the Activation code (ARN) at any General Ticketing Machine with your ez-link card. For activation instructions please click here.

Terms & Conditions

Promotion period: 1 June 2015 – 31 July 2015.
This promotion is open to ez-link cardholders who sign up for EZ-Reload by Card facility using their Visa card online via the EZ-Link website. To qualify, ez-link card holder must activate the EZ-Reload facility on the card and made at least one EZ-Reload top-up on his ez-link card with a minimum top-up selection of $30 value within the promotion period.

The following customers will not be eligible to participate in the lucky draw:

(a)	Customers with outstanding payment(s) to EZ-Link;
(b)	Cards that have been terminated/pending termination do not qualify. Each customer can only win once in this promotion, but may still qualify for other promotions held by EZL; or
(c)	Customers who have signed up for EZ-Reload on their co-brand ez-link cards issued by banks.

The first 992 eligible cardholders during the Promotion period who activate their card after they have signed up for EZ-Reload by Card using their Visa card with a minimum top-up selection of $30 value and successfully initiate a top up from 1 June 2015 to 31 July 2015 will receive a $30 rebate on the first top-up value.
The $30 rebate amount will be credited back into the cardholder’s registered ez-link card, and they will have to use My EZ-Link Mobile App (for those with NFC phone, or proceed to any OCBC ATM or AXS machine to synchronise the monies into their card.
Winners will be informed via their registered EZ-Reload email at the end of the campaign on the notification of the rebates. Winner shall collect their prize within 3 months, or the uncollected prize shall be forfeited.
Decision of the organizers shall be final and binding on all participants and winners.

EZ-Link reserves the right at any time in its absolute discretion to

(a)	Cancel or modify the campaign; and
(b)	Substitute, withdraw or cancel any prize without prior notice and without having to disclose any reason therefore and without any payment or compensation whatsoever.

By participating in this lucky drawer, winners consent to the public disclosure and use of their names and (truncated) identification/passport number for notification and publicity purposes.
These terms and conditions shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of Singapore.
Winners are not allowed to change their prizes.

For more info, visit: http://www.visa.com.sg/personal/offers/sg15_ezlink.shtml

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.

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