To help lower-income households manage rising transport costs, Singapore’s Public Transport Council (PTC) has introduced public transport vouchers (PTVs) worth $60. This initiative aims to cushion the impact of fare hikes and provide financial relief to eligible residents.
From Jan 14 to Oct 31, 2024, households can apply for these vouchers online or at their local community clubs. This article provides a detailed guide on eligibility criteria, the application process, and key dates to ensure you don’t miss out on this benefit.
What Are Public Transport Vouchers (PTVs)?
The PTVs are part of a government initiative to help lower-income households offset increases in public transport fares. Each voucher is valued at $60, higher than the $50 vouchers distributed in 2023.
These vouchers can be used for:
- Topping up fare cards.
- Purchasing monthly travel passes.
Validity Period: PTVs for the 2024 exercise are valid until March 31, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for PTVs
Households must meet the following criteria to qualify for PTVs:
- Monthly Household Income Per Person: Not exceeding $1,800, an increase from the previous cap of $1,600.
- Residency: Applicable to Singapore residents.
Application Process for Public Transport Vouchers
The application process is divided into two stages:
Stage 1: Automatic Distribution
- Completed in December 2024.
- Around 270,000 households that received PTVs in 2023 and meet the updated criteria were automatically notified.
Stage 2: Application and Appeals (Jan 14–Oct 31, 2024)
Eligible households that were not automatically notified can:
- Apply Online: Visit the Ministry of Transport’s PTV application portal.
- Apply In Person: Head to the nearest community centre or club (CC) for assistance.
Additional Assistance:
Households that don’t meet the income criteria but require financial help can:
- Submit an appeal online or at their local CC.
How to Redeem Your PTV
Once approved, households will receive a notification letter. Follow these steps to redeem your voucher:
- SimplyGo App: Redeem directly via the app.
- SimplyGo Kiosks and Ticketing Offices: Redeem at any SimplyGo Kiosk, Top-Up Kiosk, Assisted Service Kiosk, or Ticketing Office.
- Community Centres: Approach your local CC for guidance.
Public Transport Fare Hike in 2024
The Public Transport Council announced a 6% fare hike, effective Dec 28, 2024. Key details:
- Adults: 10-cent increase per journey.
- Concessionary Fares: Students, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-wage workers face a 4-cent increase per journey.
Reason for the Increase:
- Core inflation and wage growth in 2023.
- Despite the hike, fares remain lower than the maximum allowable increase to reduce the impact on commuters.
Impact of the 2024 PTV Exercise
More Households to Benefit
- With the revised income eligibility, 60,000 additional households can benefit from PTVs.
- In total, 500,000 households are expected to receive support.
Enhanced Support for Lower-Income Groups
The increase in voucher value from $50 to $60 reflects the government’s commitment to addressing rising costs and supporting vulnerable households.
Conclusion: Apply for Your Public Transport Voucher Today!
Singapore’s public transport vouchers provide essential relief for lower-income households amid fare hikes. Don’t miss this opportunity to apply before Oct 31, 2024, and ease your transport expenses.
💡 Quick Tip: Check your eligibility and apply early to avoid last-minute rushes. For more details, visit your local CC or the Ministry of Transport’s website.
Have questions about PTVs or the application process? Drop your comments below or share this article to help others learn about this valuable initiative.
