Back before we started using PayWave or e-wallets to pay for our rides, we used EZ-Link cards.
Back then, if you want to top up your EZ-link card, you can do so either at the counter or at these automatic General Ticketing Machines (GTM).
These machines have two purposes:
- To top up your EZ-Link cards
- To purchase single-trip tickets
By March 2022, the use of the machine will reduce to one.
By March 2022, MRT Stations Will No Longer Sell Single-Trip Standard Tickets
On 3 Dec 2021, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that they’ll be phasing out the sale of single-trip standard tickets at MRT stations.
It’ll be removed progressively, starting with the Thomson-East Coast and Downtown line from 10 Jan 2022.
It’ll be followed by the Circle and North-East Line on 10 Feb, and finally, the East-West and North-South Line on 10 Mar 2022.
As for why they’re doing so, it’s because there is no longer any demand for them.
Fewer than one in a thousand tips were paid using the single-trip standard tickets here.
Reduce in Minimum Top-Up Amount
Previously, adult EZ-Link cards require you to top up a minimum amount of S$10, while a student’s concession card requires a minimum top-up of S$5.
Which can be pretty aggravating, especially when you only have S$10 on hand and you’re loathed to lock it all up in your EZ-Link card.
Well, that pet peeve is a thing of the past because the minimum top-up value will be reduced to S$2 for both adults and students’ concession passes.
This move, LTA says, will allow commuters who have limited cash on hand to top up their cards and continue their journey while enjoying cost savings.
Now, if you’re wondering where the cost-saving comes from, it’s the difference in ticket prices.
It turns out that a 3.2km trip using a single-trip ticket costs S$1.70 whereas the same trip with a stored-value card or account-based ticketing only costs S$0.92.
Preparation For Phase-Out
When LTA first had the idea to do this, they tested it out before bringing news out to the general public.
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According to LTA, the single-ticket sale was temporarily suspended at some MRT stations to gather more data and prepare for the eventual phase-out.
It was found out that, generally, people who make use of the single-ticket system has an alternative form of payments.
They are also working with partners to encourage migrant workers, the elderly and lower-income groups to switch to stored valued cards or account-based payment.
Families on ComCare are also given a free adult EZ-Link card.
From January to March 2022, they’ll also deploy service ambassadors at MRT stations to assist commuters.
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