From 1 June 2024, we will no longer be accepting two types of legacy stored value cards for public transport fare payment – EZ-Link adult cards which have not yet been upgraded to SimplyGo EZ-Link, and NETS FlashPay cards. These two cards can continue to be used for motoring-related payments such as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and parking charges.
2. This change is part of our transition towards the SimplyGo system which was first introduced in 2019. Today, about two in three adult fare transactions on public transport are made using either SimplyGo EZ-Link or bank cards. With SimplyGo, cardholders can view their fare history on-the-go, top up their cards using their mobile phones, and block lost cards remotely to prevent unauthorised transactions. The SimplyGo platform has also enabled commuters to use contactless bank cards for public transport since 2019.
3. With the growing adoption of SimplyGo payment methods, and the legacy card-based ticketing system for adult commuters nearing the end of its operational lifespan, we are therefore transitioning all adult commuters to the SimplyGo platform by 1 June 2024. For a summary of card types and uses from 1 June 2024, please refer to Annex A.
4. Most adult commuters will not be affected by this transition, as they are already using SimplyGo EZ-Link or contactless bank cards. Commuters using concession cards, such as seniors, students, Workfare Transport Concession Scheme cardholders, and Persons with Disabilities, will also not be affected.
Transit Payments (for Public Transport Journeys)
5. We encourage commuters currently using the two legacy stored value cards for public transport payments to prepare for the transition before 1 June 2024 as follows:
a) EZ-Link Adult Card: Upgrade existing cards to the SimplyGo system at any ticketing machine, SimplyGo Ticket Office or Ticketing Service Centre – commuters can retain their current cards. As a reminder, from end March, EZ-Link adult cardholders who have yet to upgrade to SimplyGo will receive prompts to upgrade when topping up their cards at ticketing machines. More details on this measure will be announced subsequently.
b) NETS FlashPay Card: Exchange their NETS FlashPay card for a free NETS Prepaid Card at SimplyGo Ticket Offices or Ticketing Service Centres.
6. Alternatively, adult commuters using these cards can opt for other SimplyGo payment options, including contactless bank cards. Their legacy stored value cards can be used for other non-transit payments, or be refunded (see below).
Non-Transit Payments (Retail and Motoring-Related)
7. EZ-Link Adult and NETS FlashPay cardholders who use their cards for non-transit payments should note the following:
a) EZ-Link Adult Cards: Cardholders who wish to continue using these cards for motoring-related payments such as ERP or parking charges should not upgrade their cards to the SimplyGo system. They can continue to top up these cards at 7-Eleven outlets, AXS machines or ATMs. As these non-upgraded cards will no longer be accepted for transit and retail payments from 1 June 2024, cardholders should prepare an alternative payment option, such as a SimplyGo EZ-Link card or contactless bank card, for transit and retail payments.
b) NETS FlashPay Cards: These cards will continue to be accepted for motoring-related payments and retail purchases at NETS acceptance points. Cardholders do not need to exchange their NETS FlashPay cards to continue using them for these purposes. As these cards will no longer be accepted for transit payments from 1 June 2024, they should prepare an alternative payment option, such as a SimplyGo EZ-Link card or contactless bank card, for transit payments.
8. After 1 June 2024, EZ-Link Adult and NETS FlashPay cardholders can continue to obtain refunds for their cards’ remaining value at SimplyGo Ticket Offices or Ticketing Service Centres in accordance with EZ-Link and NETS’ refund policies.
Download the SimplyGo Mobile Application for Greater Convenience
9. After transitioning to SimplyGo, commuters are encouraged to download the SimplyGo mobile application to enjoy the full benefits of the SimplyGo platform, such as fare transactions viewing and remote card balance top-ups.
10. For those without the app, they can view their travel transactions and card balance at ticketing machines. As SimplyGo transactions are processed backend, similar to credit and debit card transactions, commuters using SimplyGo will not be able to view their fare deductions and card balances at station fare gates and bus readers.
11. Service ambassadors will be deployed at MRT, LRT stations and bus interchanges with ticketing machines to assist commuters to upgrade their cards as well as to assist them to download and use the SimplyGo app.
Annex A: Usage of Cards
Annex B: Frequently Asked Questions
Annex C: Glossary of terms
