Members of the public started to exchange their ez-link cards for new cards that are CEPAS-compliant in a free one-for-one card as early as 9 Jan 2009.
The card replacement exercise is conducted in stages. Replacement of cards for holders of the ez-link Adult Anonymous cards started on Jan 9.
It was followed by the replacement of cards for holders of concession cards from 16 February.
The new cards are required for the next generation e-payment system for public transport, Symphony for e-Payment (SeP) which was launched by the Land Transport Authority in December 2008. SeP is based on the Singapore Standard for Contactless ePurse Application (CEPAS) and allows more card issuers to issue CEPAS-compliant cards for use in Singapore's public transit system, thus giving commuters more choice.
The one-for-one card replacement exercise will end in September 2009, when the current EIFS fare system will be discontinued.
Let us take a look at what are the features of the new Cepas-compliant and old ez-link cards.
Extracted this information from The Sunday Times Sep 20, 2009
1) Minimium cash balance
Old : none
New : $3.00
2) What happens when the card balance falls below $3.00 ?
Old : Cards can be used to pay for transport on the MRT.
New : Cards cannot be used to pay for transport on the MRT.
3) What happens when the card balance falls to zero ?
Old : Cards can be used once for travel.
New : Cards cannot be used for travel.
4) Giro top-up application
Old : It can be done immiediately at general ticketing machines.
New : A form must be submitted manually and the process can take up to 21 days.
5) Giro top-up application fee
Old : None
New:A one-time $1.50 fee applies, but this is waived until Feb 26.
6) Giro top-up fee
Old : None
New : 25 cents a transaction.
With all these new changes, is it more costly to maintain the new Cepas-compliant card ?
We welcome your sharing and comments here.
