6-2-2024 (SINGAPORE) Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced plans to potentially integrate motoring payments into the SimplyGo account-based ticketing system, in addition to its current functionality for public transport and retail payments.
During a parliamentary session on Feb 5, Mr. Chee stated, “Over time, we do want to work towards having the SimplyGo card being able to be used for retail, public transport, and also for motoring.”
This move would bring the SimplyGo stored-value cards on par with the older ez-link cards, which can be utilized across public transport, motoring, and retail sectors.
However, Mr. Chee emphasized that it would take time to develop such solutions, which was one of the reasons for the extension of the card-based ticketing system for adult transport cards by six years until at least 2030, with a cost of $40 million.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chee informed that he had requested the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to install more card readers at MRT stations and bus interchanges to enable SimplyGo users to check their card balances without relying on the SimplyGo mobile app.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) did not provide further details regarding this initiative upon being contacted.
Unlike the older card-based system, where transaction data is stored on the cards themselves, SimplyGo manages fare payments on backend servers. This is why fares and balances are not displayed on card readers during tapping in or out, an issue that the authorities are working to address.
On Jan 9, LTA had initially announced that all adult public transport users must switch to SimplyGo by June, but the plan was subsequently postponed on Jan 22.
Mr. Chee also revealed on Feb 5 that a separate card-based ticketing system for concession cards would also be extended until at least 2030. The authorities had previously decided to retain this system based on feedback from seniors, but the duration of its retention was not specified.
Mr. Chee, speaking in Parliament for the first time since his appointment as transport minister on Jan 18, assured that LTA would gradually integrate the two card-based systems without causing inconvenience to passengers. He faced a series of questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the postponement of the plan to switch adult users to SimplyGo, which had sparked a significant backlash.
The primary concern raised was the inability of passengers to view fares and balances at the point of transaction with SimplyGo.
Over 20 MPs from various political parties tabled questions related to SimplyGo, including inquiries about the lifespan of the card-based system, the $40 million cost of its extension, and the planned enhancements for SimplyGo.
MPs also sought to understand the lessons learned from the episode and the measures the government would take to prevent a recurrence. Eight MPs subsequently asked additional questions.
Gerald Giam, a Member of Parliament from the Workers’ Party (WP) representing Aljunied GRC, suggested that LTA utilize the $40 million to upgrade the SimplyGo system instead. He highlighted that many users were dissatisfied with the perceived downgrade in their experience. Mr. Giam proposed that LTA extend the contract of the card-based system for one more year to address the usability issues with SimplyGo.
Mr. Louis Chua, also from the WP and representing Sengkang GRC, inquired about the planned improvements and whether SimplyGo would become a universal card compatible with the next-generation Electronic Road Pricing system’s on-board units.
In response, Mr. Chee expressed uncertainty about finding solutions to these problems within a year. He stated, “Having put in the hardware and the necessary equipment, we thought it is more prudent for us to plan… for it to run for at least a few years, until at least 2030.” He further emphasized the importance of allowing sufficient time to explore potential solutions with industry experts and other government agencies.
