The two entities are also planning to merge to better position for new business opportunities.
The Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) wholly-owned subsidiaries Transit Link Pte Ltd (“TransitLink”) and EZ-Link Pte Ltd (“EZ-Link”) are working together to simplify and streamline the ticketing experience by providing commuters with a single point of contact for all transit ticketing and travel card-related services.
2 The integration of these services is timely with the evolution of the transit payment landscape over the last few decades. TransitLink was set up in 1987 to process fare transactions and provide transit ticketing services such as top-ups. Subsequently, EZ-Link was established in 2002 to oversee the sale, distribution and management of EZ-Link cards when Singapore adopted contactless payment for public transport journeys. With the launch of SimplyGo[1] in 2019, both transit ticketing and travel card-related services have become closely related. One in two adult trips on public transport today are made using SimplyGo and adoption is set to grow further as more categories of concession cards are upgraded to support this feature.
3 Unifying all transit ticketing and travel card-related services will provide a one-stop customer service touchpoint for commuters. For example, instead of using two separate mobile applications to view fares and top up travel cards, the TransitLink SimplyGo and EZ-Link mobile applications will be consolidated to provide commuters with access to a range of ticketing and card-related services through a single interface. Similarly, commuters will be able to get assistance on all ticketing and card matters through an integrated customer service.
4 While the consolidation of transit services is taking place, commuters can continue to approach TransitLink and EZ-Link for their respective services. Commuters may also continue using their existing mobile applications and there will be no change to how commuters pay their fares.
5 TransitLink and EZ-Link are also planning to merge into a single entity. The new entity will provide a common platform for unlocking new innovation and business opportunities, such as expanding the use of SimplyGo Concession cards.
6 LTA is working with the leadership team and management staff from TransitLink and EZ-Link to implement the integration of services and merger of the entities. This includes the consolidation of mobile applications and customer service touchpoints, as well as ensuring the seamless integration of staff and operations. There will be no job loss arising from this merger exercise. New roles may be created and there may be redeployment of staff to these roles.
7 “The transit ticketing landscape in Singapore has evolved considerably in the recent years. With the increasing adoption of SimplyGo, this stronger collaboration between TransitLink and EZ-Link will provide commuters with greater convenience and access to related transit ticketing services through a single interface,” said Ng Lang, Chief Executive, LTA. “We will work closely with TransitLink and EZ-Link in the restructuring process to ensure a smooth transition for staff and commuters.”
8 Subject to regulatory approvals, the merger is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024. More details on the integration of services and the merger will be announced when plans are finalised.
