FAQs on Singapore's SimplyGo initiative

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Details on the types of cards that can be used, how to check on the available balance in your card, and more.

Per an announcement on 22 January 2024, the Land Transport Authority has halted the transition to SimplyGo. Read our coverage here.

Have you gotten your SimplyGo EZ-Link card, or upgraded your current card to the system yet? As announced by Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) on 9 January 2024, come 1 June, Singapore 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, however, can continue to be used for motoring-related payments such as Electronic Road Pricing and parking charges.

On the move, LTA stated: "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."

Like most of us who are still transitioning into the new phase of public transport fares, there may be some unanswered queries.

For a quick overview, HRO has compiled the top 10 commonly asked questions on SimplyGo, listed below:

Q What is SimplyGo and what are the benefits?

‘SimplyGo’ aims to bring more ease and convenience to commuters by widening the range of e-payment options in transit.

No registration or application is required. Commuters may use any of the following options directly for public transport fare payment:

Contactless bank card (Mastercard, NETS, Visa) or mobile wallet*, or
SimplyGo EZ-Link cards

Commuters will also be able to update their current EZ-Link cards to be onboard SimplyGo. Alternatively, they can purchase a new SimplyGo EZ-Link card from any SimplyGo Ticket Office or Passenger Service Centre.

To access their travel history and transactions, commuters can sign up for an account via the SimplyGo app or SimplyGo Portal.

With a SimplyGo EZ-Link card, commuters will also be able to enjoy online mobile services, such as topping up card value on the SimplyGo app or EZ-Link app.

*Apple Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Q What type of cards can be used for SimplyGo?

Mastercard, NETS, and Visa bank cards with the EMVCo Contactless Indicator, including foreign-issued cards*, are accepted in public transit.

*Administrative and overseas transaction fees will apply.

Q How do I view my transaction history?

You may visit the “My Statements” page in your SimplyGo account on the SimplyGo Portal or the “Trip Details” page on the SimplyGo app to view the travel transactions and fares charged to your card(s).

Transaction information includes trip and journey information, transit fares and payment posting history. This information can be downloaded into PDF statements.

Q What is the difference between using contactless bank cards under SimplyGo and the contactless credit/debit cards with EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay functionality?

Upfront top-ups are required for using contactless bank cards with EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay functionality for fare payment. With the launch of SimplyGo with Mastercard, NETS and Visa contactless bank cards, such top-ups are no longer necessary, and commuters are able to use their contactless bank cards for fare payments directly, subject to the availability of credit/funds in their card/bank account.

The transactions will be processed, accumulated and charged to their credit /debit card or deducted from their bank account, as with any other contactless bank card purchase.

To find out if your bank card has EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay functionality, look for the CEPAS logo on the back of the card. If it exists, the card has EZ-Link/NETS FlashPay functionality.

To use SimplyGo with these cards, please switch the payment mode of your card to contactless payment at the Assisted Service Kiosks or Top-Up Kiosks located at all MRT and LRT stations.

CEPAS logo on the back of card

Q How do I enable my contactless bank card for transit if my card comes with EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay functionality?

Under SimplyGo, commuters holding contactless bank cards without EZ-LINK and NETS FlashPay functionality can use these cards for transit payment directly.

For contactless bank cards that come with EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay functionality, the EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay function will be the default payment mode for transit. You will need to visit the Assisted Service Kiosks or Top-Up Kiosks at any train station to switch to contactless payment mode.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Q How do I remove my contactless bank card from the SimplyGo Portal?

You are able to remove a card previously registered to your SimplyGo account via the “My Cards” page on the SimplyGo Portal or SimplyGo app. Once the selected card is removed, all the existing and future transactions and travel history of the card cannot be viewed from the portal.

Do note that removing your card from your SimplyGo account does not automatically switch the default payment mode of your card to EZ-Link/NETS FlashPay function for transit. You will need to make the switch at the Assisted Service Kiosks or Top-Up Kiosks located at MRT and LRT stations, and provided you had not obtained a refund of the remaining value in the purse.

Q How do I get a SimplyGo EZ-Link card or switch my current EZ-Link card to a SimplyGo EZ-Link card? Can I purchase one?

You may update your current EZ-Link card* or EZ-Link charms at the Assisted Service Kiosks, Top-Up Kiosks and SimplyGo Kiosks.

Step 1: Place your card on the reader

Step 2: Select Upgrade to SimplyGo

Step 3: Select Proceed

Step 4: Upgrade successfully completed!

Q How do I check if my card is a SimplyGo EZ-Link card?

You can check if your card is a SimplyGo EZ-Link card via the following channels:

Q Will I be alerted if the available balance in my SimplyGo EZ-Link card falls below the minimum travel value of $3?

If you have opted to receive push notifications via the SimplyGo app, you will be alerted when the available balance in your SimplyGo EZ-Link card falls below $4.

Users are encouraged to adopt a good habit of maintaining sufficient card balance for a smooth travelling experience. Alternatively, please sign up for the Auto Top-Up service so that your card will be topped up automatically when there is insufficient value for your next ride.