As part of ongoing efforts to make our rail transport system more inclusive, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in collaboration with ST Engineering, launched a hands-free ticketing technology trial on 22 June 2018. The hands-free fare gates will enable people with disabilities to enter and exit train stations with ease by eliminating the need to tap their fare cards at the gates.

2.  During the six-month trial from June to November 2018, 50 participants, as part of their daily travel commute, can use the 0.9 metre wide hands-free fare gates at Redhill, Tiong Bahru, Kembangan and Bedok MRT stations. Redhill and Tiong Bahru MRT stations were selected for their proximity to SG Enable and voluntary welfare organisation SPD, which are both participating in the trial. The other two MRT stations – Kembangan and Bedok – are located close to LTA’s Bedok Campus, and will allow LTA, together with SMRT, to closely monitor the operational impact of the trial.

3.  Trial participants will be able to pass through the hands-free fare gates without the need to tap in or out, by using a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) Test Card or a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone with a dedicated application.

4.  A trial for hands-free ticketing technology on buses will take place later this year, with more details to be announced in Q4 2018.

5.  Through this trial, LTA will work with industry partners to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the hands-free technology used in the trial, before deciding whether it can be deployed on a wider scale as part of our efforts to create a more inclusive transport system.