Getting around Singapore has become more expensive for both private and public transport. Increasing fuel prices have caused some Singaporeans to reduce or even totally cut out private transportation while bus and train fares had a price hike in December 2023.
The government has reintroduced the Public Transport Vouchers (PTVs) to help low-income commuters cope with the public transport fare hike. A total of 600,000 Public Transport Vouchers was set aside. Each PTV is worth $50 and can be used to top up fare cards or buy monthly concession passes.
240,000 households have received notifications of their successful applications as part of the first stage of disbursement for the 2023 PTV Exercise completed in December 2023.
The second phase will open from 15 January 2024 to 31 October 2024. Households that meet the eligibility criteria but did not receive a voucher in the first stage can apply for PTVs online or in person.
Read Also: Bus & Train Fares Are Increasing By 2.2%. How Are Public Transport Prices Determined By The Public Transport Council?
Households With Not More Than $1,600 Per Person Are Eligible For Public Transport Vouchers
As the PTV is intended to help lower-income households cope with the increased public transport fares, there is an income cap.
To qualify, the monthly household income per person should not exceed $1,600. The household must also have at least one Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (PR).
Eligible households can apply online from 15 January 2024 to 31 October 2024.
Eligible Past Recipients Are Automatically Notified
The Public Transport Voucher is not new as it was introduced earlier during the 2019 PTV Exercise in response to the previous public transport fare hike. For past recipients of the previous PTV Exercise, they would be automatically notified via post if they are eligible.
For the first phase of the 2023 PTV Exercise completed in December 2022, 240,000 households have received notifications.
Read Also: Needy Singaporeans’ Guide To ComCare Fund Public Assistance Schemes And Eligibility
Applicants Can Also Apply In Person Or Seek Additional Help
Aside from the online application, households that meet the criteria can also apply in person at their local Community Centres/Clubs (CCs).
Those who require additional help can also seek assistance in person. The Citizens’ Consultative Committees (CCCs) will assess these applications accordingly.
Successful Applicants Will Be Notified By Post
Households who have made their applications online or in-person will receive a notification letter by post. The letter will contain instructions on how to redeem the voucher. Each PTV has a $50 value and be used to top up fare cards or buy monthly concession passes. For any queries, residents may approach their local CCs.
The PTVs issued in the second stage of the 2022 PTV Exercise must be redeemed by 31 March 2024. The vouchers for the first and second stages of the 2023 PTV Exercise, which opens on 15 January 2024, must be redeemed by 31 March 2025.
Households who have received their notification letters can redeem their voucher at any TransitLink Kiosks, Top-Up Kiosks, Assisted Service Kiosks, TransitLink Ticket Offices or Concession Card Replacement Offices. As announced recently, households can also use their PTVs to top up their fare card via the SimplyGo app or at any SimplyGo Kiosk.
Lower-Income Persons With Disabilities Who Can’t Take Public Transport Can Apply For Taxi Subsidy Scheme
While the PTV is helpful for those who are able to take public transport, there are some groups of lower-income persons who are unable to do so. For lower-income persons with disabilities who are medically certified as unable to take public transport and require point-to-point transportation, the Taxi Subsidy Scheme is available.
This is a means-tested subsidy for taxi travel, meant for travel to school, work or employment-related training supported by SG Enable. Families with a per capita monthly household income of $2,800 or below and are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents can apply online.
To qualify, they must also be currently schooling, working or attending employment-related training supported by SG Enable and not currently own any motor vehicles.
This subsidy may cover up to 80% of taxi total fares (which includes booking fees, peak period surcharges and ERP charges).
Read Also: Concession Passes For Working Adults: Are They Ever Worth It?
This article was first published on 13 January 2023 and updated with new information.
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