In a twist reminiscent of M. Night Shyamalan movies, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has backpedalled on their decision to make the transition from the card-based ticketing system from regular EZ-link card to the SimplyGo payment system, following numerous technical issues and backlash from passengers.
But it’s nearly March now, we already knew that.
What remains to be seen is if the passengers who have already made the transition from their adult EZ-link cards to the SimplyGo cards can make the shift back to the old payment system, and fortunately, there is hope for that.
Commuters Who Switched to SimplyGo Can Collect New EZ-Link Cards
On Wednesday, 28 February 2024, LTA announced that commuters who have made the switch to SimplyGo are able to collect a new (well, old if you’re thinking in terms of the payment system) EZ-Link card from 18 March to 30 June based on their SimplyGo at any SimplyGo ticket office.
Eligible commuters will collect their CBT EZ-Link cards based on the last digit of their SimplyGo EZ-Link card identification number to minimise wait times.
Those unable to collect on assigned dates can visit the Ticket Office from 29 April onwards, bringing their current SimplyGo card for verification.
The best part of it all? It’s completely free.
To streamline card collection, the operating hours of all 44 SimplyGo Ticket Offices will be extended from 18 March to 26 May 2024. Service ambassadors will be dispatched to aid commuters at these locations.
Commuters are to anticipate longer queues during peak hours (8AM to 9:30AM, 5PM to 7PM) for card collection. Off-peak visits to ticket offices are recommended for shorter wait times.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility for a new card, you can input your EZ-Link card ID at https://go.gov.sg/eligibilitychecker or call the SimplyGo hotline at 1800 2255 663.
Meanwhile, for adult commuters who purchased a NETS Prepaid Card between 9 January and 22 January, they can collect a free NETS FlashPay card anytime from 1 April to 30 June.
Like CBT EZ-Link cardholders, these individuals can retain and utilise their current NETS Prepaid card even after acquiring their NETS Flashpay card. Additionally, they have the option to reclaim any remaining balance on their NETS Prepaid card through the NETS app.
SimplyGo Concession Cards
All eligible Senior Citizen, Workfare Transport, and Person with Disabilities Concession cardholders, along with Adult Monthly Travel cardholders who adopted SimplyGo by 22 January 2024, will get a new CBT card from 1 April to 31 May 2024.
Concession cardholders with registered addresses will receive the replacement card via mail. While they can opt to stick with their current SimplyGo card or switch to the new CBT card, to ensure each concession cardholder possesses only one valid concession card, activation of the new CBT concession card is required at any Ticket Office.
Cardholders will have to present their NRIC, existing, and new concession cards, and Customer Service Officers will facilitate the transfer of remaining value to their new concession cards.
The reintroduction of CBT cards can allow commuters yet again to check fare deductions and card balances upon tapping out, which was a huge concern for many.
However, the transition from SimplyGo back to the CBT cards is not compulsory. In fact, it may prove to be a hassle in the long run.
LTA has reported that the older card-based ticketing (CBT) system for adult commuters will be in place until at least 2030.
In January, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced an extra S$40 million investment to maintain the CBT system.
He acknowledged the underestimated preference for viewing fare deductions and balances among commuters. Despite the benefits of account-based ticketing (ABT) cards like SimplyGo, such as balance protection, Chee emphasised the need to enhance user experience.
In the meantime, LTA remains dedicated to exploring solutions for displaying fare deductions and balances on ABT cards at fare gates and bus card readers.