New ez-link cards that run on new payment system to roll out from December
By Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 02 December 2008 1324 hrs

	Photos  of

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