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SINGAPORE – To cut red tape for low-income households hoping to spend less on public transport, the government has decided to issue public transport vouchers directly to some 30,000 households, without the need for them to apply for the plan.
The deadline for others who want to apply for the $ 50 coupons has also been extended from October 31 to January 31 of the next year, giving them more time to do what is necessary.
A record total of 450,000 $ 50 coupons are available, compared to 300,000 $ 30 coupons previously issued.
This comes as the Public Transportation Council (PTC) recommended on Friday (September 4) that bus and train fares will remain unchanged next year, even though operators SMRT and SBS have requested the fare increase. 4.4% maximum allowed.
The council said it prioritized the affordability of train and bus travel for commuters, but did not cut fares, given the broader financial support already given to the public in all four government budgets and ongoing concession schemes for vulnerable groups. .
The public transportation voucher system is one of those recurring measures, available to households whose monthly income per person from all sources does not exceed $ 1,200. The money from the coupons can be used to recharge rate cards or buy concession passes. monthly.
Those who are eligible for the vouchers can apply at their centers or community clubs (CC). Those who need more vouchers or marginally lose income criteria can also go to their CCs and assess their case.
The People’s Association and the Ministry of Transportation, in a joint statement on Friday, said the 30,000 low-income households that automatically qualify for the coupons will receive a redemption letter in their mail and will get their coupons starting in December.
These households are under the ComCare Short- to Medium-Term Assistance and Long-Term Assistance schemes of the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and will receive vouchers regardless of whether they have previously requested and received them.
Based on PTC recommendations, allowances for seniors, students, and other groups remain unchanged. Up to two million people, or one in two Singaporeans, enjoy reduced rates today and will continue to do so until at least the next rate review.
PTC Chairman Richard Magnus said: “The mandate of the council will not change. It will always be to ensure that fees remain affordable for Singaporeans. Most importantly, the council will continue to safeguard the interests of the most vulnerable groups, such as the income, retirees and our students. “
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