From 1 June 2024, you will no longer be able to use EZ-Link adult cards that are incompatible with the SimplyGo system or NETS FlashPay cards on public buses or trains. Instead, only SimplyGo EZ-Link cards, NETS Prepaid cards, and contactless bank cards (Mastercard, Visa, NETS 2.0) will be accepted for payment of public transport fares.
In addition to switching to the relevant SimplyGo payment method, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is also encouraging commuters to download the SimplyGo mobile application. The app allows users to enjoy the full benefits of the SimplyGo platform, which includes new functions that provide greater convenience for commuters.
How The Different Cards Will Work From 1 June 2024
Though both the non-upgraded EZ-Link Card and NETS FlashPay Card will not be accepted for payment of public transport fares from 1 June 2024, they can still be used for motoring services like ERP and carpark charges.
Similarly, the SimplyGo EZ-Link Cards and NETS Prepaid Card cannot be used for motoring-related expenses.
Source: LTA
Transiting From Legacy Card-Based Ticketing System To SimplyGo System
According to LTA, the transition to the SimplyGo payment system is due to its widespread adoption since it was first introduced in 2019, as well as the legacy card-based ticketing system (i.e., EZ-Link cards and NETS FlashPay cards) reaching the end of its operational lifespan.
With this change, EZ-Link’s and Transit Link’s transit and travel card-related services will be consolidated under the SimplyGo branding. This includes physical touch points such as SimplyGo Ticket Offices (for general ticketing services) and SimplyGo Ticketing Service Centres (including concession card replacement services).
The new SimplyGo system, which allows for contactless bank card transactions, is an account-based system. As such, transactions are processed on the backend, similar to credit and debit card transactions. This means you will no longer be able to see the card balance and deduction information whenever you tap your SimplyGo EZ-Link card at station fare gates and bus readers, unlike with the legacy card-based system.
While this may seem like an inconvenience, you can still get travel transactions and card balance information at ticketing machines as well as on the SimplyGo app.
Enable Push Notifications To Receive Alerts On Your Trip Fares
One way to still be informed of each fare deduction is to enable push notification when you download the SimplyGo app, which is available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This allows you to know how much was deducted from your card each time you tap out.
Furthermore, if you are using the SimplyGo Ezlink or concession cards, you will also receive alerts on low card balances when they reach under $3. In order for you to receive these alerts, allow the app to run in your phone’s background.
Easy To Track Your Travel History For The Last 180 Days
Under the “Trip Details” tap on the SimplyGo app, you can view the detailed travel transaction history for as short as 3 days or as long as up to 180 days (or 6 months). It provides a breakdown of all the connecting bus/train rides for each trip. This could be useful if you need to look back on your past travel history, whether to claim for your transport fares or to simply record it as part of your expense journal.
If you are currently using the NETS FlashPay or NETS Prepaid cards, you have the option to view the monthly travel history as a histogram chart, which is more visually appealing. Unfortunately, this feature is not available for the SimplyGo EZ-Link cards.
Use Near Field Communication (NFC) Function To Know Your Card’s Stored Value
If you do not wish to add your card information to your SimplyGo account but have a Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled phone, you can still use the SimplyGo app to know your card balance. Keep your card close to your phone and tap on the “Scan Card For Details” icon under the “Home” tab.
This could not only save you the trouble of heading to a nearby ticketing counter to find out the card balance, but also assist your family members who may not have downloaded the app yet.
Cancel Lost Card Immediately Using The SimplyGo App
Not by choice, some of us might encounter a scenario where we might misplace or lose our EZ-Link cards. In the past, we might have been resigned to losing the card’s store balance. However, with the SimplyGo system, we can get back our money even though we may lose our card.
Assuming your card is linked to your SimplyGo account, select it on the mobile app under the “My Card” tap and click on the “Block Card” button. It takes around 30 minutes from when you initiate to block your card to stop any unauthorised usage. The balance monetary value will still be retained in your account.
Apply For Concession Cards And Redeem Public Transport Vouchers On The Go
Another function of the SimplyGo app is that it allows you to apply for a new or replace a lost concession card. This is one of the many functions under the “Services” tap.
Look for the “Concession Services” icon to perform the preferred task. This feature within the app eliminates the hassle of visiting a ticketing counter each time you need to purchase/replace a concession pass.
Additionally, you can also redeem any eVouchers, like the Public Transport Vouchers (PTV), within the SimplyGo app under the Services tab. Key in your NRIC number and the PTV serial number to redeem any evouchers that you may have.
Read Also: Public Transport Voucher (PTV): Who Is Eligible And How Can You Claim It?
Top Up Your Card Or Your Family Members’ Cards Anywhere, Anytime
If you are not using a contactless bank card, chances are you have to queue at the ticketing counters to top-up your card, which can be a hassle when you are in a rush. Instead, you can sidestep the queue and top up your card at anytime with the SimplyGo app.
Under the Services tab, look for the top-up icon. Select the SimplyGo EZ-Link card and the top-up amount before you get re-directed to the payment page, where you need to input your credit card details. There is even a 1-click checkout function where you can link your phone number to quicken the payment process.
What’s more, you can even top up your family members’ cards, which can be useful for parents. You can share your account with up to five SimplyGo account holders. This would allow them to see your travel history and card balance and be able to top up your SimplyGo concession or stored-valued cards if need be. You need the invitee’s mobile number to send an invitation.
Useful As A Pocket Travel Guide And To Get Fare Estimates
Even if you are someone who uses public transportation regularly, you may not know the best bus or train routes to get to a place. That’s where the SimplyGo app can be handy as a travel guide, as it provides an interactive MRT map that allows you to select your current location for the intended destination. Though it does not give detailed instructions on how you can get there, it does provide the total estimated travel time, including the train and bus arrival times. It also provides the estimated travel fare for the various categories of commuters (i.e., adult, senior citizen, and student).
Alternatively, you can also calculate the estimated fare using the “Fare Calculator” under the Services tab.
Who Should Download The SimplyGo App?
The current transition to SimplyGo affects only adult commuters, while other commuters using concession cards such as seniors, students, Workfare Transport Concession Scheme cardholders, and Persons with Disabilities will not be affected. However, all commuters can download the SimplyGo app to benefit from its features.
Switch Now To Participate In The Lucky Draw
To encourage commuters to upgrade their old EZ-Link cards for the SimplyGo-compliant cards, EZ-Link is running a “Upgrade to SimplyGo EZ-Link & Win free rides” lucky draw campaign.
The campaign starts from 9 January to 31 May 2024 with 100 lucky winners picked randomly by means of a computerised draw from each draw period to win the following prizes:
| Prize | Quantity |
| $450 | 1 |
| $250 | 10 |
| $100 | 20 |
| $50 | 25 |
| $20 | 44 |
There are a total of 10 draws that will be conducted once every two weeks on the following dates:
Source: EZ Link
In order to stand a chance to win the prizes, you need to (1) own a SimplGo EZ-Link card, (2) add your card to the SimplyGo app and (3) make at least 1 bus or train ride.
Each registered SimplyGo App account is entitled to receive a maximum of 1 prize during the entire campaign period. So, if you have not switched, this could be a good incentive to do so today.
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