SINGAPORE — The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also responded to online complaints after announcing on Tuesday (January 9) that EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay cards for adults cannot be used on public transport. Regardless, we are moving towards the SimplyGo public transport payment platform. From June 1st.
The group said the old card-based ticketing (CBT) system for adult commuters stored all information on the commuter card, such as issuance of EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay for adults, and that it had a “long operational lifespan”. “We have reached the end,” he claimed.
Responding to inquiries from Yahoo Southeast Asia, “The SimplyGo system has been in use since 2019, allowing commuters to pay for public transport using a contactless bank card or mobile wallet,” an LTA spokesperson said in an email. ” he said.
“SimplyGo also offers commuters the ability to remotely top up their SimplyGo EZ-Link cards, with the added benefit of reducing reliance on ticketing machines. Even if a commuter misplaces their SimplyGo EZ-Link card, SimplyGo and Combined, you can even remotely cancel your card, access the app, and keep the monetary value in your backend account, which is not possible with traditional CBT systems.
“As of December 2023, two out of three adult commuters have adopted SimplyGo. We have decided to continue with the SimplyGo system only for adult commuters from January 1st.”
Long queue when viewing balance in SimplyGo system: LTA
One of the most common complaints from netizens about the SimplyGo system is that unlike the old cards in the CBT system, the SimplyGo card does not show the balance on MRT ticket gates or card readers on buses. A commuter also complained that he was unable to upgrade his old card to his SimplyGo card at the ticket machine.
In response, LTA said the SimplyGo system stores account information and processes transactions at the backend, rather than at MRT ticket gates or bus card readers. When a user taps his SimplyGo card, it takes a few seconds for ticket gates and bus readers to retrieve and display card balance and deduction information from backend systems.
“Although this is technically possible, it will slow down the entry and exit of commuters. Given the large number of commuters using MRT and buses, this will lead to longer queues, which is undesirable,” LTA said. a spokesperson said in an email. reply.
Instead, commuters must use the SimplyGo app to check their balance and get other information about their commute.
“For example, the app can provide alerts about the fare charged per trip through push notifications, allow you to top up your card, and display details of your trip over a period of time,” LTA said. .
“SimplyGo users who do not wish to use the app can also check their trip details and card balance at ticket vending machines located at each train station or bus interchange. When you tap your SimplyGo card at these vending machines, your card will appear on the display. Shows balances and card balances. Fares incurred on recent trips.
“We will continue to leverage advances in technology to improve the fare and card balance checking experience on SimplyGo.”
We’re taking steps to ease your transition to SimplyGo
LTA said it had taken steps to ease the transition from the CBT system to the SimplyGo system, including announcing the transition several months in advance of June 1.
For example, we have service ambassadors at train stations and bus interchanges to assist commuters who wish to upgrade their EZ-Link cards, download the SimplyGo app, or check their balance or travel details at the ticket machine.
We have also promoted SimplyGo’s capabilities through various channels, including roadshows, social media, public transport posters, online advertising, and broadcast advertising.
LTA also reminded commuters who have an adult EZ-Link card that they can continue to use their existing card by upgrading it to SimplyGo compatibility at the ticket machine. No need to get a new card.
Meanwhile, reward cardholders, including senior citizens and PAssion Silver reward cardholders, are unaffected by this change and do not need to upgrade their cards.
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