Singaporean households that meet the eligibility criteria can now submit their applications for public transport vouchers valued at S$60 (equivalent to US$46). These vouchers are intended to alleviate the increased cost of commuting.
The vouchers became available on Tuesday and will continue to be so until October 31. The eligibility requirement is set at a monthly household income per person of S$1,800 or lower.
This move signifies the second phase of the program. The first round of vouchers was issued last month, benefitting approximately 300,000 households.
In the current round, households that did not previously receive a voucher and those seeking additional assistance, including households that do not meet the income requirement, can apply. Applications can be submitted either online or in person at local community centers and clubs.
These vouchers can be applied towards topping up fare cards or purchasing monthly passes. They are redeemable until March 31, 2027.
The main goal of the initiative is to assist lower-income families in counterbalancing the recent increase in public transport fares.
The basic bus and train card fares for adults in the city-state have seen a hike of 9-10 cents per trip, an approximate increase of 5% based on distance. At the same time, the express bus services have levied a surcharge, marking its first-ever introduction.
In addition to the vouchers, the cost of monthly passes has been cut by 5% for adults, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities as a measure to support frequent users of public transit.
What is the purpose of the public transport vouchers?
The vouchers are intended to help lower-income families mitigate the impact of the recent increase in public transportation fares.
Who is eligible to apply for these vouchers?
Families with a monthly household income per person of S$1,800 or lower can apply for these vouchers. In the latest round, even those households that didn’t receive a voucher in the first round or do not meet the income requirement can apply for additional assistance.
How can these vouchers be used?
These vouchers can be used to top up fare cards or to purchase monthly passes. They are redeemable until March 31, 2027.
