Fares and ticketing on the Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)

Last updated

Orchard MRT concourse level with the faregates. Orchard MRT Concourse.jpg
Orchard MRT concourse level with the faregates.

Rail operators are government-assisted profit-based corporations, fares and ticketing on Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system are aimed to break-even or exceed operating expenses. [1] [2] Rail operators collect fares based on account-based (ABT) and card-based ticketing options, [3] [4] the prices of which are calculated based on the distances travelled between the origin and destination. These prices increase in stages for standard non-concessionary travel, according to the distances travelled. [5] In account-based ticketing, the fare is automatically calculated in the back-end and charged to the passenger post journey. [6] On the other hand, card-based ticketing is proprietary to the transport network and the fare is computed by the system based on the store values recorded in the cards. The public transit system is harmonising towards full ABT. [7]

Contents

Stations on the MRT system are divided into two areas, paid and unpaid areas, which allows the rail operators to collect needed fares by restricting entry only through the fare gates, also known as access control gates. [8] These gates, connected to a computer network, are able to read the electronic tickets, and can store information such as the amount of time taken per trip, and the start and destination stations of each trip. This allows the rail operators to collect fares based on this information.

Fares

Although operated by private companies, the system's fare structure is regulated by the Public Transport Council (PTC), [9] to which the operators submit requests for changes in fares. [10] [11] Fares are kept affordable by pegging them approximately to distance-related bus fares, thus encouraging commuters to use the network and reduce heavy reliance on the bus system. A fare review is conducted every year, based on a formula that itself is reviewed every 5 years. Since 2021, fare formula has been revised such that there is no Network Capacity Factor (NCF) involved, but the NCF for 2021 only has January 2020 data. The formula takes into account the main factors affecting the cost of operating the public transport system, including the MRT and public buses. [12] Fare increases have caused public concern, but fares have been reduced in 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016 and 2017. [13] [14] Historically, fares on the fully underground North East, Circle, and Downtown lines had been higher than those of the North–South and East–West lines (NSEWL), a disparity that was justified by citing higher costs of operation and maintenance on a completely underground line. However, the Public Transport Council (PTC) announced in 2016 that fares for the three underground lines would be reduced to match those on the NSEWL, which took effect along with the annual fare review, on 30 December 2016. [15] [16]

After the opening of Downtown Line Stage 3, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan announced that public transport fare rules will be reviewed to allow for transfers across MRT lines at different stations due to the increasing density of the rail network. At the time, commuters were charged a second time when they made such transfers. He added that the PTC would review distance-based fare transfer rules to ensure they continue to facilitate "fast, seamless" public transport journeys. The review of distance-based fare rules on MRT lines was completed, and a waiver on the second boarding fee incurred when making such transfers was announced on 22 March 2018. The scheme was implemented on 29 December 2018. [17] [18] [19]

Children under the age of 4 and below the height of 0.9m travels for free. Children under the age of 7 can travel for free using a child concession card.

After short-term concessionary travel expires, the following measures are being done:

The only long-term concessionary travel is Passion Silver Card, Persons with Disabilities Card and Workfare Transport Concession Card.

Ticketing

Main articles: EZ-Link, NETS, and CEPAS

Tickets

Fares can be paid via stored value travel cards (e.g. EZ-Link), bank cards (e.g. credit/debit cards, mobile wallets), or tourist passes. [20] The ticketing system is developed based on the Contactless e-Purse Application (CEPAS) standard. The Symphony for e-payment (SeP) is the backend processing and clearing system for public transit. [21] SeP allows any smart card that complies with the CEPAS standard to be used within the system and a wide variety of payment applications. At the outset, SeP only permitted up to four card issuers to provide for e-payment services; TransitLink and NETS offered their contactless smart cards to address these needs. [22]

The ticketing system currently utilises a mixture of Account-Based Ticketing (ABT), or SimplyGo, [23] and legacy (non-ABT) card-based options. ABT has eliminated the need for top-ups. [24] The LTA announced that the non-ABT ticketing system (including the legacy card-based TransitLink and NETS FlashPay smartcards [25] ) was reaching the end of its operational lifespan, and would be phased out by 1 June 2024. [26] This decision was later reversed due to public backlash, [27] with the Government spending $40 million to extend the card-based ticketing system. [28]

Fares are charged based on commuters "tapping in" their payment cards, upon entering their mode of transport, at the origin or outset of the journey, and "tapping out" upon exit at the destination. The use of different cards during boarding and alighting, or the failure to tap out, will generally result in full or flat fare(s) charged to the user's account. [29] [30] Furthermore, fare evasion is subject to a penalty of S$50. [31]

The current status of the ticketing methods for public transit are tabulated below:

CEPAS VersionMethods1FeaturesAuthorised SourcesValidity2Ref
3.0 Credit Card Account-based, transacts via contactless payment with a credit facility.BanksStated on Card [32]
3.0 Debit Card Account-based, transacts via contactless payment with a debit facility.BanksStated on Card [33]
3.0 ATM Card Account-based, transacts via contactless payment with a bank account.BanksPer terms of service [34]
3.0 Mobile Devices Mobile payment via ApplePay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay or Garmin Pay with a compatible NFC enabled mobile device.E-wallet payment service providers [35] Per terms of service [36]
2.0 (Purple/Blue) EZ-Link Card-based, can be upgraded to SimplyGo at Station Machines 5, tops up at Station Machines3 or ATMs, displays fares and balances at station gates or bus readers, permits retail and motoring use.Ticketing Offices and convenience stores (7–11)5 years from date of purchase [37]
3.0 (Yellow)Account-based, pairs with SimplyGo App, tops up at Station Machines or SimplyGo App4, auto top up via Giro, permits retail use.5 years from date of purchase [38]
2.0 (Purple/Blue) NETS FlashPay Card-based, can be traded in at Ticketing Offices for NETS Prepaid Card, tops up at Station Machines, ATMs, or NETS App, displays fares and balances at station gates or bus readers, permits retail and motoring use.Ticketing Offices, Convenience Stores (7–11, Cheers, Buzz), NETS customer service, Lazada and Shopee platforms. [39] 7 years from date of purchase. [40]
3.0 (Yellow) NETS Prepaid Account-based, pairs with NETS App, tops up at Convenience Stores (7–11), NETS App or NETS website, permits retail use.Ticketing Offices, Convenience Stores (7–11, Cheers, Buzz), Airport & Ferry Terminals, Lazada and Shopee platforms. [41] 5 years from date of purchase [42]
2.0 (Purple/Blue)Concession CardCard-based, can be upgraded to SimplyGo at Station Machines, tops up at Station Machines3 or ATMs, displays fares and balances at station gates or bus readers, concessionary travel, or purchase of one month's unlimited rides for a discounted fee, as applicable to prescribed categories, permits retail and motoring use.Institutions (Primary, Secondary, ITE, JC and Polytechnic)
Apply via SimplyGo app (Persons with Disabilities, Workfare Transport, Passion Silver, Adult Monthly Travel Card)
Ticket office for card replacement
Ticket office by bringing birth certificate (Child Concession Card)
Per eligibility status [43]
3.0 (Yellow)Account-based, pairs with SimplyGo App, tops up at Station Machines or SimplyGo App4, auto top up via Giro, permits retail use.Per eligibility status [44]
Tourist PassUnlimited rides for limited duration from date of first use. Rental fee is refundable if returned to the Ticketing Office within rental period; otherwise, may be retained as regular EZ-link card.Airport Terminals, Ticketing Offices (selected locations)Per terms of service [45]
Standard TicketSingle trip fare ticketNot AvailablePhased out since 10 March 2022 [46]

Notes:1Non-refundable fees may apply to issued cards, surcharges may apply to foreign banking cards2Refers to usage for public transport for multipurpose cards3Cash payment was phased out with the exception of TUK-A and manned ticket counters [47] 4Via credit/debit card only5Upgrading to SimplyGo must be done at TUK with Supervision. TUK-A and TUK without Supervision is not allowedObsolete

Milestones

  1. 1987: Launched the original magnetic TransitLink farecard [48] [49]
  2. 13 April 2002: Launched FeliCa EZ-Link card as a replacement to the magnetic Transit Link farecard. Both types of cards were accepted concurrently for travel. [50]
  3. 1 December 2002: Contactless smart cards fully replaced their magnetic ticket predecessors, making Singapore one of the first cities to implement contactless smart card payment on all main modes of public transportation, similar to Hong Kong.
  4. 29 December 2008: Launched CEPAS compliant EZ-link cards. [50]
  5. 9 January 2009: Started mass replacement of the FeliCa EZ-link cards with the CEPAS-compliant EZ-link cards.
  6. 9 October 2009: CEPAS-compliant NETS FlashPay card, entered the smart card market.
  7. 20 March 2017: Started the upgrade of CEPAS to 3.0 to allow the use of credit/debit card in public transport, trials began. [23]
  8. 4 April 2019: Allows the use of credit/debit card in public transport. [51]
  9. 28 January 2021: Launched CEPAS 3.0 EZ-Link cards, under SimplyGo Pte Ltd. CEPAS 3.0 is similar to Windows 11 operating system. [52]
  10. 22 November 2022: Launched CEPAS 3.0 NETS Prepaid cards, under SimplyGo Pte Ltd. [53]

Stored-value cards and SimplyGo

A non-concessionary stored value travel card from NETS or EZ-Link, may be purchased for S$10 (inclusive of a S$5 non-refundable card cost and a S$5 credit), for the payment of public transportation fares, [41] [54] [55] from ticketing offices or merchant outlets where applicable. The EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay cards may also be used for the payment of goods and services at merchants displaying the "EZ-Link" logo, Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) tolls and Electronic Parking System (EPS) carparks. [22] [56] Commuters can elect to upgrade the legacy EZ-Link cards to SimplyGo, and once done, it is optional to download the EZ-Link or SimplyGo mobile applications to check on the card balance.

On 20 March 2017, LTA started a trial of the usage of contactless debit and credit MasterCard cards for fare payments on all main modes of public transport. [57] Fares are charged directly to their debit or credit cards. From 3 December 2018, the trial was expanded to NETS and Visa cards. [58] On 7 March 2019, the system was renamed to SimplyGo, and it was officially launched on 4 April 2019, starting with MasterCard holders. As of November 2019, Visa and NETS card holders are also able to utilise the system. [59] And finally, all EZ-Link cardholders (including concession) can upgrade to SimplyGo. LTA and TransitLink is still in the works of adding concession fares into bank cards and smartwatches.[ citation needed ]

On 9 January 2024, LTA announced that NETS FlashPay cards, EZ-Link cards and charms that have not been upgraded to SimplyGo can no longer be used for public transport from 1 June 2024. Charms are special EZ-Link cards in the form of trinkets. [60] Only SimplyGo payment options will be accepted at MRT/LRT fare gates and bus card readers, while the aforementioned options may still be used for motoring needs. [61] Due to public backlash, the authorities announced on 22 January 2024 that the decision was reversed and the LTA was tasked to look into improving the user experience for ABT cards and solutions to display the fare and cards balances at fare gates and bus card readers. [27]

In moves to improve standardisation across platforms, the TransitLink and EZ-Link entities will be merged into one company SimplyGo, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Land Transport Authority in August 2024. [62] In addition, the EZ-Link and SimplyGo applications will be integrated into a common application called SimplyGo. [63]

Singapore Tourist Pass

A Singapore Tourist Pass may be purchased from S$22 [64] (inclusive of a S$10 refundable card deposit and a 3-day pass) for the payment of public transportation fares. The card may be purchased at selected TransitLink Ticket Offices, LTA Kiosks, Passenger Service Centres and Singapore Visitors Centres, and can be refunded at both TransitLink Ticket Offices and Passenger Service Centres. [65]

Access-control gates

Access-control gates found in Singapore's MRT and LRT stations have evolved in design & features over the years. A few different series of gates from different manufacturers have been used in MRT and LRT stations. The two oldest generations of these gates in the MRT stations began to be removed starting from March 2010, and this was completed by October 2014.

On 22 July 2018, a hands-free ticketing technology trial was launched at 4 stations to examine the feasibility of a new hands-free fare gate that allows people with disabilities to enter and exit MRT stations without tapping their fare cards. If found to be feasible, the fare gates may be introduced to more stations. The trial lasted until November 2018. [66] A tender for a second trial was announced in February 2020, with the possibility of expanding the system to all public buses and 400 faregates should the trial be successful. [67]

Manufacturer/typeLocationImageFeatures
Cubic AFC gates North–South Line and East–West Line stations (replaced by 2014, Pioneer and Joo Koon replaced on 27 June 2017)Magnetic fare card reader (removed by 2003)
CEPAS smart card readers
Retractable red flaps
VFD fare information displays (Some units equipped with angled VFD displays, some of them are in analogue and some of them are in digital)
Bulb-operated directional sign displays
Red alarm/concession indicator
ST Electronics AFC gates Expo (East–West Line)
Bedok
Kembangan
Paya Lebar (East–West Line)
Raffles Place
Tanjong Pagar
Outram Park (East–West Line)
Dover
Orchard
(All phased out beginning with Orchard on 10 June 2011, then Bedok, Kembangan, Paya Lebar and Raffles Place in 2014, others were converted between July and November 2017)
Magnetic fare card reader (removed by 2003)
CEPAS smart card readers
Retractable red flaps
Angled VFD fare information displays
LED directional sign displays
Red alarm/concession indicator
Cubic AFC turnstile faregatesBukit Panjang LRT stations (replaced by November 2017)Magnetic fare card reader (removed by 2003)
CEPAS smart card readers
Three arms tripod turnstiles
Angled VFD fare information displays
Bulb-operated directional sign displays
Thales gates Circle Line stations (replaced by August 2024) Thales ticket barriers, Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, Singapore - 20051231.jpg CEPAS smart card readers
Retractable red flaps (Wide gate feature dual retractable flaps)
6.5" LCD fare information displays
LED directional sign displays
LED gate status indicators
Titan automatic gatesAll North–South Line, East–West Line, North East Line, Punggol LRT, Sengkang LRT and Bukit Panjang LRT stations
Bayfront
Orchard MRT Concourse.jpg CEPAS smart card readers
Retractable red flaps
Angled LCD fare information displays
Illuminated LED directional bar
LED gate status indicators
Frontal LCD Display (selected units)
Titan Cronos gates Bukit Panjang LRT stationsCEPAS smart card readers
Single bidirectional swing gate
Angled top panel fare information display
Illuminated LED bar display (indicating lane direction)
LED gate status indicators
Thales swing gatesAll Downtown Line stations Bukit Panjang station DTL concourse faregates 2022-06-06.jpg CEPAS smart card readers
Bidirectional swing flaps
6.5" LCD fare information displays
LED directional sign displays
LED gate status indicators
Cubic AFC swing gatesAll Thomson–East Coast line stations
All Circle Line stations
Pasir Ris
Simei
Lakeside
Dhoby Ghaut (NEL) [68]
TE1 Woodlands North ticket barriers and passenger service.jpg CEPAS smart card readers
Two bidirectional glass swing flaps
LCD fare information display
LED directional sign display
LED gate status indicators

Passenger service centres

Passenger service centres are control stations that looks after the station, and handle cash top-ups for all MRT cards. By the first half of 2018, cash top-ups at all passenger service centres were phased out. [69]

Ticketing machines

MachineLocationAccepted Mode of PaymentFeatures
General Ticketing Machine (GTM)Circle Line
Downtown Line
East–West Line
North East Line
North–South Line
Thomson–East Coast Line
Bukit Panjang LRT
Sengkang LRT
Punggol LRT
Cash (Minimum S$2 as banknote)
NETS
Credit/Debit Card
Topping up CEPAS cards
Upgrading CEPAS cards to SimplyGo
Checking last 30 travel transactions
Encoding and extension of monthly concession passes with NETS
Manage Auto Reload services through GIRO or Credit/Debit Card [70]
For those using cash, no change is given in the machine. Cash can only be used with $2, $5, $10 and $50 banknotes.
GTMs by Cubic were introduced for North–South, East–West and Circle lines, whereas GTMs by Ascom were introduced for North East Line.
Add Value Machine (AVM) (2002 - 2013) and Add Value Machine (AVM+) (2013 - 2022)North–South Line and East–West Line (All replaced by November 2021)
Bus Interchanges
NETSTopping up CEPAS cards
Upgrading CEPAS cards to SimplyGo
Checking last 30 travel transactions
Encoding and extension of monthly concession passes
Manage Auto Reload services through GIRO or Credit/Debit Card [70]
Payment of penalty fee
Express claims and filing for refunds
Emailing of travel transactions
Instant redemption of travel voucher and rewards
Originally accepts magnetic farecards and was upgraded to stored value cards in 2002.
Top-Up Machine (TUM)Circle Line (All replaced by March 2021)
Downtown Line
North–South Line
East–West Line
Punggol LRT
Sengkang LRT
Bukit Panjang LRT
NETSTopping up CEPAS cards
Upgrading CEPAS cards to SimplyGo
Checking last 30 travel transactions
Top-Up Kiosk (TUK)Circle Line
Downtown Line
East–West Line
North East Line
North–South Line
Thomson–East Coast Line
Bukit Panjang LRT
Sengkang LRT
Punggol LRT
NETS
Credit/Debit Card
Topping up CEPAS cards
Upgrading CEPAS cards to SimplyGo
Checking last 30 travel transactions
Encoding and extension of monthly concession passes
Manage Auto Reload services through GIRO or Credit/Debit Card [70]
Payment of penalty fee
Express claims and filing for refunds
Emailing of travel transactions
Top-Up Kiosk with Cash Accepted (TUK-A)Circle Line
Downtown Line
East–West Line
North East Line
North–South Line
Thomson–East Coast Line
Bukit Panjang LRT
Sengkang LRT
Punggol LRT
Cash (Minimum S$2 as banknote)
NETS
Credit/Debit Card
Topping up CEPAS cards
Upgrading CEPAS cards to SimplyGo
Checking last 30 travel transactions
Encoding and extension of monthly concession passes
Manage Auto Reload services through GIRO or Credit/Debit Card [70]
Payment of penalty fee
Express claims and filing for refunds
Emailing of travel transactions
For those using cash, no change is given in the machine. Cash can only be used with $2, $5, $10 and $50 banknotes.
Assisted Service Kiosk (ASK)Thomson–East Coast LineNETS
Credit/Debit Card
Topping up CEPAS cards
Upgrading CEPAS cards to SimplyGo
Checking last 30 travel transactions
Encoding and extension of monthly concession passes
Manage Auto Reload services through GIRO or Credit/Debit Card [70]
Payment of penalty fee
Express claims and filing for refunds
Emailing of travel transactions

Replacement of all ticketing machines into Top-Up Kiosk (TUK)

General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) (Phased out), Assisted Service Kiosks (ASKs) and Top-Up Kiosks (TUK) in the MRT station TE7 Bright Hill MRT Ticketing Machines.jpg
General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) (Phased out), Assisted Service Kiosks (ASKs) and Top-Up Kiosks (TUK) in the MRT station

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Add Value Machine (AVM), Top-Up Machine (TUM) and General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) were however replaced by Top-Up Kiosk (TUK). These replacement programme are as follows:

  • 23 January 2020 - 15 January 2021: Circle Line and Thomson–East Coast Line
  • 19 April 2021 - 19 July 2021: North–South Line
  • 23 July 2021 - 15 November 2021: East–West Line
  • 23 November 2021 - 19 February 2022: Downtown Line
  • 1 March 2022 - 15 May 2022: North East Line

Subsequently; all stations were upgraded to Top-Up Kiosk with Cash Accepted (TUK-A) where cash can be accepted. Top Up Kiosks (TUK) can only accept NETS and Credit/Debit Card only together with the Assisted Service Kiosk (ASK).

EZ-Link SimplyGo ambassadors were being deployed at selected stations (previously at the heartlands) to help cardholders who face difficulties in transition, mitigate their assistance; including those who have $100 note to give change to small note ($50) and those ticketing machines need to have maintenance, they will ask commuters to move to other facilities nearby.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Debit card</span> Card used for financial transactions, usually without a credit line

A debit card, also known as a check card or bank card, is a payment card that can be used in place of cash to make purchases. The card usually consists of the bank's name, a card number, the cardholder's name, and an expiration date, on either the front or the back. Many new cards now have a chip on them, which allows people to use their card by touch (contactless), or by inserting the card and keying in a PIN as with swiping the magnetic stripe. Debit cards are similar to a credit card, but the money for the purchase must be in the cardholder's bank account at the time of the purchase and is immediately transferred directly from that account to the merchant's account to pay for the purchase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EFTPOS</span> Type of Electronic Funds Transfer system

Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale, abbreviated as EFTPOS; is the technical term referring to a type of payment transaction where electronic funds transfers (EFT) are processed at a point of sale (POS) system or payment terminal usually via payment methods such as payment cards. EFTPOS technology was developed during the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stored-value card</span> Payment card with a monetary value stored on the card itself

A stored-value card (SVC) or cash card is a payment card with a monetary value stored on the card itself, not in an external account maintained by a financial institution. This means no network access is required by the payment collection terminals as funds can be withdrawn and deposited straight from the card. Like cash, payment cards can be used anonymously as the person holding the card can use the funds. They are an electronic development of token coins and are typically used in low-value payment systems or where network access is difficult or expensive to implement, such as parking machines, public transport systems, and closed payment systems in locations such as ships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)</span> Principal metro system serving Singapore

The Mass Rapid Transit system, locally known by the initialism MRT, is a rapid transit system in Singapore and the island country's principal mode of railway transportation. The system commenced operations in November 1987 after two decades of planning with an initial 6 km (3.7 mi) stretch consisting of five stations. The network has since grown to span the length and breadth of the country's main island – with the exception of the forested core and the rural northwestern region – in accordance with Singapore's aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the backbone of the country's public transportation system, averaging a daily ridership of 3.45 million in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electronic Road Pricing</span> Singaporean toll collection scheme

The Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system is an electronic toll collection scheme adopted in Singapore to manage traffic by way of road pricing, and as a usage-based taxation mechanism to complement the purchase-based Certificate of Entitlement system. There are a total of 93 ERP gantries being built and located throughout the country, along expressways and roads leading towards the Central Area. As of July 2024, only 19 ERP gantries are in operation and are all in expressways where congestion continues to be severe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oyster card</span> Payment method for public transport in London

The Oyster card is a payment method for public transport in London, England, United Kingdom. A standard Oyster card is a blue credit-card-sized stored-value contactless smart card. It is promoted by Transport for London (TfL) and can be used on as part of London's integrated transport network on travel modes including London Buses, London Underground, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, Tramlink, some river boat services, and most National Rail services within the London fare zones. Since its introduction in June 2003, more than 86 million cards have been used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EZ-Link</span> Contactless smart card used in Singapore

The EZ-Link card is a rechargeable contactless smart card and electronic money system that is primarily used as a payment method for public transport such as bus and rail lines in Singapore. A standard EZ-Link card is a credit-card-sized stored-value contact-less smart-card that comes in a variety of colours, as well as limited edition designs. It is sold by SimplyGo Pte Ltd, a merged entity of TransitLink and EZ-Link since 2020, a subsidiary of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), and can be used on travel modes across Singapore, including the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the Light Rail Transit (LRT), public buses which are operated by SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit Singapore and Go-Ahead Singapore, as well as the Sentosa Express.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Touch 'n Go</span> Malaysian expressway smart card

Touch 'n Go is a contactless smart card system used for electronic payments in Malaysia. The system was introduced in 1997 and is widely used for toll payments on highways, public transportation, parking, and other services. The card is equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that allows users to make payments by simply tapping the card on a reader device. Touch 'n Go cards can be reloaded with funds either online or at designated reload kiosks. The system has become a popular and convenient way for Malaysians to make cashless transactions.

FeliCa is a contactless RFID smart card system from Sony in Japan, primarily used in electronic money cards. The name stands for Felicity Card. First utilized in the Octopus card system in Hong Kong, the technology is used in a variety of cards also in countries such as Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Macau, the Philippines and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto Transit Commission fares</span>

Fares to use the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) transit system in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, can be paid with various media. The price of fares varies according to age, occupation, income level, and health condition of riders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Presto card</span> Contactless smart card fare system in Ontario, Canada

The Presto card is a contactless smart card automated fare collection system used on participating public transit systems in the province of Ontario, Canada, specifically in Greater Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa. Presto card readers were implemented on a trial basis from 25 June 2007 to 30 September 2008. Full implementation began in November 2009 and it was rolled out across rapid transit stations, railway stations, bus stops and terminals, and transit vehicles on eleven different transit systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the MRT (Singapore)</span> Overview of the transit networks development in Singapore

The history of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system of Singapore commenced with its planning in the 1960s, which finally led to its opening in 1987 with the launch of a 6 km section of the North–South Line (NSL) from Yio Chu Kang to Toa Payoh. Since its inception, the rapid transit system has played a crucial role in the public transportation network and the wider development of the country as a whole, providing a fast and efficient means of transportation for millions of Singaporeans daily.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sentosa Express</span> Monorail connecting Singapore with Sentosa

The Sentosa Express is a monorail line connecting Sentosa island to HarbourFront on the Singapore mainland. It was built at a cost of S$140 million to replace the previous Sentosa Monorail. Development began in June 2003 and construction works were completed in late 2006. The fully elevated 2.1-kilometre two-way line opened on 15 January 2007. The monorail system, privately owned by Sentosa Development Corporation and operated by Singapore Mass Rapid Transit, can move up to 4,000 passengers per hour per direction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Payment card</span> Card issued by a financial institution that can be used to make a payment

Payment cards are part of a payment system issued by financial institutions, such as a bank, to a customer that enables its owner to access the funds in the customer's designated bank accounts, or through a credit account and make payments by electronic transfer with a payment terminal and access automated teller machines (ATMs). Such cards are known by a variety of names, including bank cards, ATM cards, client cards, key cards or cash cards.

A contactless smart card is a contactless credential whose dimensions are credit card size. Its embedded integrated circuits can store data and communicate with a terminal via NFC. Commonplace uses include transit tickets, bank cards and passports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NETS (company)</span> Singaporean electronic payment service provider

Network for Electronic Transfers, colloquially known as NETS, is a Singaporean electronic payment service provider. Founded in 1986 by a consortium of local banks, it aims to establish the debit network and drive the adoption of electronic payments in Singapore. It is owned by DBS Bank, OCBC Bank and United Overseas Bank (UOB).

CEPAS, the Specification for Contactless e-Purse Application, is a Singaporean specification for an electronic money smart card. The specification was prepared by the Cards and Personnel Identification Technical Committee (CPITC), under the purview of the IT Standard Committee of Singapore (ITSCS). It has been gazetted as Singapore Standard SS 518 by Enterprise Singapore. CEPAS has been deployed island-wide, replacing the previous original EZ-Link card effective 1 October 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marina South Pier MRT station</span> Mass Rapid Transit station in Singapore

Marina South Pier MRT station is an underground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station in Straits View, Singapore, which is operated by SMRT Trains. Built as part of the 1-kilometre (0.62 mi) North South line (NSL) Extension, it is the southern terminus of the line. As the name suggests, the station is next to Marina South Pier and near the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore.

metroCARD Public transit payment system used in Adelaide

MetroCARD is a contactless smartcard ticketing system for public transport services in the Adelaide city and suburbs in South Australia. The system is managed by Adelaide Metro and is usable on their bus, train and tram services.

The Smart Nation is an initiative by the Government of Singapore to harness infocomm technologies, networks and big data to create tech-enabled solutions.

References

  1. Chang, Zheng; Phang, Sock Yong (November 2017). "Urban rail transit PPPs: Lessons from East Asian cities". Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice. 105: 106–122.
  2. "Oral Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat to Parliamentary Question on Keeping Public Transport Fares Affordable". Ministry of Transport. Government of Singapore. 3 October 2023.
  3. McLevie, Simon (15 May 2023). "Advantages of using true Account-based Ticketing (ABT)". ITBrief Australia.
  4. "Account-based EZ-Link cards available for use in Public Transport from 28 Jan". Land Transport Authority. 28 January 2021.
  5. "Bus and Trains fare". Public Transport Council. Government of Singapore.
  6. Gooch, James (29 November 2019). "Everything You Need to Know About Account Based Ticketing". Masabi.
  7. "Reminder: Sale of Standard Tickets to be Progressively Phased Out from Next Year". Land Transport Authority. 3 December 2021.
  8. "Automatic Fare Collection Gates". SGTrains.
  9. Yeo, Nikki (20 September 2023). "Explainer: How do S'pore's bus and train fares compare with other global cities?". Today. MediaCorp.
  10. Land Transport Authority, Singapore 1996, pp. 58–59.
  11. "Tricky balance in fare changes". The Straits Times. 17 September 2007. p. 21.
  12. "Review of transport fare formula needed to reflect rising cost of operating MRT system: Khaw Boon Wan". CNA. 8 July 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  13. Yvonne Cheong (14 April 2005). "Public transport fare hike not justified as SMRT still profitable: CASE". Channel NewsAsia. Singapore. Archived from the original on 2 February 2008.
  14. Christopher Tan (13 September 2008). "Bus and MRT fares to go up from Oct 1". The Straits Times. p. 1.
  15. "Public transport fares may be standardised". The Straits Times. 10 October 2016. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  16. "Public transport fares to fall by 4.2% from Dec 30 due to lower energy prices". CNA. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  17. "PTC to review fares incurred when switching between MRT stations, says Khaw". Channel NewsAsia. 22 October 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017.
  18. Koh, Valerie (20 October 2017). "Review underway to address additional fares when switching between MRT lines: Khaw". TODAY Online. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017.
  19. "Commuters can exit and re-enter rail system without penalty". The Straits Times. 22 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  20. "travel fares". TransitLink.
  21. Prakasam, Silvester (September 2008). "The Evolution of e-Payments in Public Transport - Singapore's Experience" (PDF). Japan Railway & Transport Review. Vol. 50. pp. 36–39.
  22. 1 2 Maria Almenoar (9 January 2009). "Free replacement exercise on till Sept 30". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 January 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2009.
  23. 1 2 "Pilot Run of the Account-Based Ticketing" (PDF). TransitLink.
  24. "Singapore Account Based Ticketing (ABT) System Development & Maintenance". MSI Global. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  25. "EZ-Link Adult Cardholders and NETS FlashPay Cardholders to Transit to SimplyGo for Public Transport Fare Payments by 1 June". Land Transport Authority. 9 June 2024.
  26. "Non-SimplyGo EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay cards not valid for public transport from June". Channel News Asia. MediaCorp. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  27. 1 2 Teoh, Grace (22 January 2024). "Commuters no longer need to switch to SimplyGo as LTA U-turns on move to replace older ticketing system". Channel News Asia. MediaCorp.
  28. Chan, Rachael (22 January 2024). "Government spending S$40 million for hardware replacement, system maintenance to extend ticketing system: LTA". Channel News Asia. MediaCorp.
  29. "Project Tap out: Nudging Commuter Habits with Behavioural Insights". Public Service College. 17 June 2017.
  30. Tan, Claudia (14 October 2022). "Cost of convenience? Man finds out why he spent $15 on public transport in 1 day". AsiaOne.
  31. "Bus & Rail Fare Evasion". Public Transport Council. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  32. "Moble contactless payments". Visa.
  33. "What is Contactless Debit Card". DBS.
  34. "NETS Bank Card". NETS Group.
  35. "How to Offer E-Wallet Services in Singapore: Licensing Guide". Singapore Legal Advice. 22 December 2021.
  36. "Mobile Payment Usage". TransitLink.
  37. "validity of EZ-link card". EZ-Link.
  38. "The EZ-Link you know with the convenience of Simplygo". TransitLink.
  39. "NETS to continue sales and support for NETS FlashPay Card in line with existing adult card-based ticketing system extension". NETS Group. 22 January 2024.
  40. "Nets FlashPay". NETS Group.
  41. 1 2 "Where can I purchase?". NETS Group.
  42. "Nets Prepaid Card". NETS Group.
  43. "Concession Cards". www.transitlink.com.sg. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  44. "Concession Cards". SimplyGo.
  45. "Type of Passes". Singapore Tourist Pass.
  46. "Reminder: Sale of Standard Tickets to be Progressively Phased Out from Next Year". Land Transport Authority. 3 December 2021.
  47. Lim, Adrian. "Cash top-up at MRT passenger service centres to be phased out by March". The Straits Times. SPH Media.
  48. "Milestones". TransitLink. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  49. "SMRT Farecard". graphic.sg. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  50. 1 2 Tay, Shereen (2016). "Ez-link card". National Library Board. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  51. Abdullah, Zhaki (5 April 2019). "SimplyGo with new transport payment option". The Straits Times. SPH Media.
  52. "EZ-Link launches account-based cards that allow top-ups through mobile app". Channel News Asia. MediaCorp. 28 January 2021.
  53. "NETS launches NETS Prepaid Card: its first 'smart' stored-value card for retail and transit". NETS Group. 22 November 2022.
  54. "EZ-link Card". EZ-link.
  55. "Stored Value Travel Cards (Non-Concession)". TransitLink.
  56. Imelda Saad (26 August 2008). "New e-payment system and next generation card for public transport". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 30 August 2008. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  57. "Joint News Release by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & Mastercard - LTA Pilots Account-Based Ticketing System for Public Transport with Mastercard | Press Room | Land Transport Authority". Land Transport Authority. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  58. Ng, Huiwen (30 November 2018). "LTA expands contactless payment trial for public transport to Visa, Nets cardholders". The Straits Times. ISSN   0585-3923 . Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  59. "Pay for train, bus rides with your Nets card from Nov 16". The Straits Times. SPH Media. 8 November 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  60. "The most adorable way to use EZ-Link". EZ-Link.
  61. "EZ-Link Adult Cardholders and NETS FlashPay Cardholders to Transit to SimplyGo for Public Transport Fare Payments by 1 June". Land Transport Authority. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  62. ""SimplyGo" Branding for One-Stop Transit Ticketing and Travel Card Services". TransitLink.
  63. "TransitLink, EZ-Link apps will merge to simplify ticketing services for bus and train trips". Channel News Asia. MediaCorp. 28 March 2023.
  64. "The Singapore Tourist Pass - The only pass that gives you unlimited rides* on public transport". Singapore Tourist Pass. Archived from the original on 21 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  65. "Why Singapore Tourist Pass". Singapore Tourist Pass. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  66. "Hands-free fare gates being tried out at four MRT stations". The Straits Times. 22 June 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  67. "LTA looks to test hands-free payment on trains, buses". The Straits Times. 26 February 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  68. "Cubic Wins $35.5 Million Contract to Supply Fare Collection Equipment for Singapore Land Transport Authority's Future Rail Line". www.cubic.com. 15 September 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  69. hermesauto (18 February 2018). "Cash top-up at MRT passenger service centres to be phased out by March". The Straits Times. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  70. 1 2 3 4 5 "e-Payment Top-up at General Ticketing Machines". TransitLink. Retrieved 6 April 2019.