New ez-link cards that run on new payment system to roll
out from December
SINGAPORE: Commuters will now have to get new ez-link
cards supported by a new e-payment system.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Tuesday those with
current ez-link cards will be able to get the new cards in a free
one-for-one replacement exercise in early January.
Those who need to buy a new ez-link card will be able to buy one in
late December.
This new "CEPAS-compliant" card will not require a travel deposit,
and commuters will be able to use cards issued by any card issuer
as long as the card complies with the CEPAS standard.
There are currently two card issuers in Singapore - EZ-Link and
NETS - and the new system can support up to four issuers.
The new e-payment system starts this month, but will run with the
existing farecard system to give commuters ample time to switch
over.
LTA tested the system over two months in a trial which involved
5,000 commuters and 1.7 million transactions. It launched a public
education programme on Tuesday.
Eventually, the new cards will be able to run on new generation
In-vehicle Units, which will be fitted in new cars from next
year.
- CNA/yb