Govt working to enhance SimplyGo to be used for retail and more

SimplyGo, an electronic mode of payment for public bus and train fares, may be expanded to include other features and services, according to minister for transport Chee Hong Tat.

In a parliament seating yesterday (5 Feb), Chee shared that the government is working towards enhancing the features and user experience of SimplyGo. 

"We also want to work towards SimplyGo being able to be used for retail, public transport and also motoring, but the process will take some time," said the minister. 

Don't miss: Have you seen these decked out trains and buses by LTA for CNY?

This puts Simply Go on par with the EZ-Link card as the latter can currently be used for retail, motoring and public transport. 

Chee added that because it will take time to find solutions, card-based transport cards need to be extended by six-years to at least 2030, in a SG$40 million move. 

In tandem, Chee said that he had asked the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to add more card readers at MRT stations and bus interchanges to allow SimplyGo users to check their card balances. This is especially for users who do not use the SimplyGo mobile app. 

This is because fares and balances are not shown on card readers when tapping in or out with SimplyGo. 

Over 22 parliamentary questions were filed on the transport fare system. Other questions include what public consultation were done before LTA's initial decision for public transport fare payments to transit to SimplyGo by 1 June 2024 and how the public transport payment options in Singapore compare to those of other developed countries. 

Lat month, the government shelved the decision to move all adult public transport users to SimplyGo by June 2024 on 22 January. One main issue was that the new system did not allow commuters to immediately check fare deductions and balances at fare points. 

LTA first made the announcement on 9 January. 

Plans to expand SimplyGo is not the only new development in Singapore's public transport sector. 

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Transport LTA said that it was currently exploring the use of under-viaduct sites adjacent to selected MRT stations for commercial and community uses, according to GeBIZ documents seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

Currently, these plots of land are managed by various government agencies.

In tender documents, LTA said that it was looking for a property valuer to value the open market rental of under-viaduct sites adjacent to Yishun MRT and Choa Chu Kang MRT. It is also looking at construction to commence in January 2025 for a period of two years.

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