From 1 June 2024, say goodbye to using non-SimplyGo EZ-Link adult cards on public transport.
On 9 January, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that commuters will no longer be able to use older EZ-Link cards that are not on SimplyGo or Nets FlashPay cards to pay for public transport fees.
While it seems like a hassle, LTA does have reasons for this move.
Older Ez-Link Cards to be Phased Out
In a statement announcing the move, LTA said, “With the growing adoption of SimplyGo payment methods, and the legacy card-based ticketing system for adult commuters nearing the end of its operational lifespan, we are therefore transitioning all adult commuters to the SimplyGo platform by 1 June 2024.”
LTA added that two in three adult transactions on public transport are made using SimplyGo EZ-Link or bank cards.
Speaking to The Straits Times, LTA noted that in December 2023, there were 2,600,000 adult fare transactions for SimplyGo daily.
This number is much higher than the 1,500,000 adult fare transactions made using EZ-Link and Nets FlashPay cards in the same period.
Thus, LTA believes that the change will not affect most commuters.
Furthermore, commuters who use concession cards, such as seniors, students, Workfare Transport Concession Scheme cardholders, and persons with disabilities, will not be affected by the move.
If you have a legacy EZ-Link card, note that it will no longer be valid for retail payments.
However, it isn’t entirely the end of the road for legacy EZ-Link cards.
Legacy EZ-Link cards and the NETS FlashPay card can continue to be used for motoring-related payments such as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and parking charges.
LTA cautioned those who intend to use their cards for motoring-related payments to hold off on the upgrade.
It said, “Cardholders who wish to continue using these cards for motoring-related payments such as ERP or parking charges should not upgrade their cards to the SimplyGo system.”
This is because SimplyGo is currently not compatible with existing In-vehicle Units (IUs).
Here’s a handy summary of what the various cards can be used for after 1 June:
The Transition
What can people do with their legacy EZ-Link cards?
Instead of letting them collect dust, legacy EZ-Link cardholders can upgrade their existing cards to the SimplyGo system.
They can visit any ticketing machine, SimplyGo ticket office or ticketing service centre to complete the upgrade.
For the sentimental ones out there, here’s good news.
Commuters can retain their current cards after the upgrade.
From the end of March 2024, legacy EZ-Link cardholders will also receive prompts to upgrade their cards when topping them up.
As for those who use EZ-Link charms, the LTA website states that people can also upgrade them to the SimplyGo system.
NETS FlashPay cardholders can exchange their card for a free NETS Prepaid Card at SimplyGo ticket offices or ticketing service centres from 19 January to 18 July.
Commuters can also choose to use other SimplyGo payment methods instead, including contactless bank cards.
Legacy stored value cards can be used for other non-transit payments or be refunded.
Refunds of the remaining value from the older card systems can be done at SimplyGo ticket offices and ticketing service centres.
Notably, after July, those who own NETS FlashPay cards must get their refund from the NETS customer service centre.
LTA added that service ambassadors will be deployed at MRT, LRT stations, and bus interchanges with ticketing machines to assist commuters in upgrading their cards and downloading and using the SimplyGo app.
LTA Encourages Commuters to Upgrade
LTA said, “Commuters are encouraged to upgrade their existing EZ-Link card to SimplyGo at any ticketing machine/ticket office or switch to a credit/debit card early.”
To encourage commuters to upgrade their cards to the SimplyGo system, EZ-Link will run a lucky draw until 31 May.
The reward will pique your interest in 9% GST Singapore.
1,000 eligible participants can win up to six months of free public transport travel.
To qualify for the lucky draw, all you need to do is own a SimplyGo Ez-Link card, add your card to the SimplyGo app, and make at least one bus or train ride.
If you like the idea of potentially saving money on public transport, here are the draw dates:
One way to check if your card is a SimplyGo EZ-Link card is to tap in and out at fare gates and bus readers.
“SimplyGo” will appear on the screen of the fare gates and bus readers if your card is a SimplyGo EZ-Link card.
You can also look for the SimplyGo logo when you check your card on these channels:
Commuters are encouraged to download the SimplyGo mobile app after making the transition.
While commuters don’t necessarily need the app to use their SimplyGo EZ-Link cards, there is a reason why they are encouraged to do so.
LTA explained, “As SimplyGo transactions are processed backend, similar to credit and debit card transactions, commuters using SimplyGo will not be able to view their fare deductions and card balances at station fare gates and bus readers.”
Thus, the app would allow commuters to view their fare transactions.
In addition, they will be able to top up their card balance remotely.
If you refuse to download the app, you can still view your travel transactions and card balance at ticketing machines.
There are other benefits to using the app as well.
Commuters can use the app to top up their family members’ SimplyGo EZ-Link cards.
In February 2023, it was announced that commuters with a family account on the SimplyGo app could link seven cards to one account.
When the feature was first released, EZ-Link chief executive Nicolas Lee said, “By introducing the family account, we hope to make the seemingly small yet essential task of managing families’ daily expenses and travel more efficient and enjoyable for everyone.”
Another benefit of using the app is that commuters will receive notifications on their fares and when their card balances are low.
Commuters can also use the app to block further transactions if they lose their cards.
