Following public outcry over the phasing out of NETS FlashPay and adult EZ-Link cards for the new SimplyGo system, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced in February 2024 that it will continue supporting the existing concession card-based ticketing (CBT) system until at least 2030.
However, when (or if) the new system is fully adopted, only SimplyGo EZ-Link cards, NETS Prepaid cards, and contactless bank cards (Mastercard, Visa, NETS 2.0) will be accepted for public transport payments.
To support the transition, LTA is encouraging commuters to download the SimplyGo mobile app to enjoy the platform’s enhanced features and greater convenience.
Transiting From Legacy Card-Based Ticketing System To SimplyGo’s Account-Based Ticketing 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.
Source: SimplyGo
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 “Home” tap, go to “My Cards & Charms” and choose the card that you’ve linked with the SimplyGo app, to view the detailed travel transaction history including 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.
Use Near Field Communication (NFC) Function To Know Your Card’s Stored Value And Top Up 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 and transaction records. Keep your card close to your phone and tap on the “Scan Card For Details” icon under “My Favourites” in the “Home” tab.
However, you must link your SimplyGo card if you wish to top up value using the app. For that, just click the top-up icon and select the card you wish to add value to and tap “Next”. You will then be required to choose the top-up amount and your payment method to complete the transaction.
This could not only save you the trouble of heading to a nearby ticketing counter for these services but also assist your family members who may not have downloaded the app yet. You can even create a group under the “My Family” in the Home tab and help them top up their SimplyGo cards (even concession cards) remotely.
Cancel Lost Card Immediately Using The SimplyGo App
On rare occasions, we might have the misfortune of misplacing or losing our EZ-Link cards. In the past, we might have had no hope of getting back the card’s store balance. However, with the SimplyGo system, we can get back our money even if we lose our physical card.
Assuming your card is linked to your SimplyGo account, select it on the mobile app under the “My Card & Charms” tap. Next tab the three dots at the top right to see the “Block Card” option.
Source: SimplyGo
You’ll need to complete a one-time Singpass Myinfo identify verification if you have not done so previously. Once completed, you will be asked to select your preferred refund option – ie; a refund to your bank account or another EZ-Link/SimplyGo EZ-Link card. It may take up to 30 minutes from when you initiate blocking 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” section 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 “e-voucher” section 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?
Make Convenient Payments At Retail Outlets Using EZ-Link Wallet
Another new feature added to the SimplyGo app is the EZ-Link Wallet, which acts as your personal e-wallet to make convenient payments at retail outlets by scanning a SGQR code.
Souce: SimplyGo
Additionally, if you select the Pay by Wallet option, you can use it to make payments at all online and offline Mastercard acceptance points worldwide.
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 appcomes in handy. Its journey planner, features an interactive map that lets you select your current location and destination, offering step-by-step directions, estimated travel time. It also displays 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.
Earn Attractive Rewards As You Spend Using Your EZ-Link, Concession Cards & EZ-Link Wallet
If you need any more incentive to start using the SimplyGo app, then look no further than its Rewards feature.
You can earn 1 point for every 10 cents spent using your EZ-Link, Concession cards & EZ-Link wallet. For example, for 100 points, you can claim $1 off any regular smoothie at Nanyang Bliss or a RM50 discount voucher for LEGOLAND Theme park. Browse the reward catalogue to select and redeem your preferred reward.
It’s that easy, so start accumulating your points now and redeem these limited offers while stocks last.
