More kiosks for replacing transport concession cards to be rolled out
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — Students to senior citizens will soon have more avenues to buy or replace their public transport concession fare cards. From June, TransitLink will be progressively rolling out 10 new kiosks at major transport nodes, with these locations to be announced at a later date.
TransitLink said that it developed the kiosks, which will operate round-the-clock, to serve an expanding base of concession-card holders beyond the operating hours of its replacement offices. It also hopes that the kiosks would also foster greater self-help among commuters.
As part of a pilot trial, a kiosk was set up at its replacement office at Buona Vista MRT Station in May last year. More than 800 cards have been replaced at the kiosk as of the end of last month.
Currently, concession-card holders can replace their cards via several avenues, including TransitLink’s eight concession-card replacement offices at the Tampines and Choa Chu Kang bus interchanges, for instance. It will launch its ninth, at the Bukit Panjang MRT Station, today.
Card holders may also do so via electronic platforms such as the TransitLink website, and receive their replacement cards in the post after five working days.
When the kiosks are rolled out, card holders can also apply to replace their cards via the TransitLink website and mobile application, and collect them at the kiosks on the same day using a QR code or reference number.
From Monday, concession-card holders can buy their monthly passes at the Buona Vista kiosk, while general commuters can also top up their travel cards and redeem travel vouchers there, among other things.
Replacement cards will be issued on the spot, making it more convenient for card holders.
TransitLink chief executive Lee Yuen Hee said that the firm was encouraged by the positive experience the Buona Vista kiosk has brought commuters and it would “continue to improve (it) and add other useful functions”.
The number of concession cards in circulation has been on a steady climb in recent years. Last year, there were more than 1.9 million cards in circulation, compared with about 1.62 million in 2014.
Nearly one million concession cards were issued between 2014 and 2016 under the various categories, including primary and secondary school students, and senior citizens. Last year alone, more than 254,000 cards were issued.
Primary and secondary school students formed the bulk (33 per cent), followed by senior citizens (23 per cent) owing to the launch of the new Passion Silver concession cards.
Asked whether senior citizens, particularly those less well versed in technology, would be comfortable with the kiosks, TransitLink said the machines have been designed with multiple language options and intuitive functions, making them easy to use.
Its officers will also be deployed on the ground to guide commuters on how to use the kiosks during the initial period.
