Editing EZ-Link (section)

===SimplyGo===
[[File:NS19 Toa Payoh Concourse Ticket Counter 20240112 183054.jpg|thumb|Commuters upgrading their EZ-Link cards to SimplyGo in January 2024]]
SimplyGo was launched in March 2019 for [[MasterCard]] users as a separate account-based ticketing system allowing commuters to pay their public transport fares using bank cards.<ref name="LTA 2019 v219">{{cite web | title=An Easier Way to Travel with SimplyGo | website=LTA | date=7 March 2019 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2019/3/2/an-easier-way-to-travel-with-simplygo.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115010236/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2019/3/2/an-easier-way-to-travel-with-simplygo.html | url-status=live }}</ref> SimplyGo expanded to [[Visa Inc.|Visa]] on 6 June<ref name="LTA 2019 w808">{{cite web | title=Visa to Come Onboard SimplyGo from 6 June | website=LTA | date=16 May 2019 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2019/5/2/visa-to-come-onboard-simplygo-from-6-june.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115010615/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2019/5/2/visa-to-come-onboard-simplygo-from-6-june.html | url-status=live }}</ref> and [[NETS (company)|Nets]] on 16 November.<ref name="LTA 2019 v013">{{cite web | title=NETS to Come On Board with SimplyGo from 16 November | website=LTA | date=7 November 2019 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2019/11/1/NETS_to_come_on_board_with_SimplyGo.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115012050/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2019/11/1/NETS_to_come_on_board_with_SimplyGo.html | url-status=live }}</ref> When the system launched, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng said that SimplyGo was not intended to replace other payment methods such as EZ-Link.<ref name="Abdullah 2019 n096">{{cite web | last=Abdullah | first=Zhaki | title=SimplyGo with new transport payment option | website=The Straits Times | date=4 April 2019 | url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/lta-launches-digital-payment-scheme-for-public-transport | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=5 April 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405083247/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/lta-launches-digital-payment-scheme-for-public-transport | url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2020, a pilot program to expand the use of SimplyGo with EZ-Link adult cards was launched.<ref name="LTA 2020 f566">{{cite web | title=LTA Launches SimplyGo Pilot On EZ-Link Cards | website=LTA | date=1 September 2020 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2020/9/news-releases/LTA_launches_SimplyGo_pilot.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=16 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216083859/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2020/9/news-releases/LTA_launches_SimplyGo_pilot.html | url-status=live }}</ref> This was followed on 28 January 2021 by the rollout of account-based EZ-Link cards for adults. Commuters could also update their existing EZ-Link cards to the new system.<ref name="LTA 2021 j858">{{cite web | title=Account-based EZ-Link cards available for use in Public Transport from 28 Jan | website=LTA | date=28 January 2021 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2021/1/news-releases/account-based-ez-link-cards-available-for-use-in-public-transpor.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=13 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113131617/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2021/1/news-releases/account-based-ez-link-cards-available-for-use-in-public-transpor.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="EZ-Link 2021 p136">{{cite web | title=EZ-Link Offers Account-Based Ticketing for Public Transport | website=EZ-Link | date=27 January 2021 | url=https://www.ezlink.com.sg/2021/01/28/ez-link-offers-account-based-ticketing-for-public-transport/ | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115004902/https://www.ezlink.com.sg/2021/01/28/ez-link-offers-account-based-ticketing-for-public-transport/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Concession cards were included in SimplyGo on 19 October 2022, with the option to upgrade student concession cards only available in 2023.<ref name="LTA 2022 y847">{{cite web | title=Concession Cards to Come on Board SimplyGo | website=LTA | date=19 October 2022 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2022/10/news-releases/concession_cards_to_come_on_board_simplygo.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115011430/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2022/10/news-releases/concession_cards_to_come_on_board_simplygo.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2023, the [[Land Transport Authority]] (LTA) announced that it would merge the TransitLink SimplyGo and EZ-Link mobile apps into a single "SimplyGo" app.<ref name="ezlink transitlink merger">{{Cite web|url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2023/3/news-releases/transit-link-and-ez-link-working-towards-one-stop-ticketing-serv.html|title=LTA &#124; Transit Link and EZ-Link Working Towards One-stop Ticketing Services for Commuters|website=www.lta.gov.sg|access-date=9 November 2023|archive-date=9 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109025707/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2023/3/news-releases/transit-link-and-ez-link-working-towards-one-stop-ticketing-serv.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="www.transitlink.com.sg f470">{{cite web | title="SimplyGo" Branding for One-Stop Transit Ticketing and Travel Card Services | publisher=TransitLink | url=https://www.transitlink.com.sg/simplygo-branding-for-one-stop-transit-ticketing-and-travel-card-services/ | access-date=13 January 2024 | archive-date=15 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215124333/https://www.transitlink.com.sg/simplygo-branding-for-one-stop-transit-ticketing-and-travel-card-services/ | url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 June, the EZ-Link Pte Ltd's (EZ-Link) and Transit Link Pte Ltd's (TransitLink) transit and travel card-related services were consolidated under the "SimplyGo" branding.<ref name="LTA 2023 i156">{{cite web | title="SimplyGo" Branding for One-Stop Transit Ticketing and Travel Card Services | website=LTA | date=15 June 2023 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2023/6/news-releases/-simplygo--branding-for-one-stop-transit-ticketing-and-travel-ca.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=13 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113131519/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2023/6/news-releases/-simplygo--branding-for-one-stop-transit-ticketing-and-travel-ca.html | url-status=live }}</ref> On 9 January 2024, LTA announced that EZ-Link cards that had not yet been upgraded to SimplyGo and Nets Flashpay cards would be deprecated on 1 June 2024.<ref name="LTA 2024 i406">{{cite web | title=EZ-Link Adult Cardholders and NETS FlashPay Cardholders to Transit to SimplyGo for Public Transport Fare Payments by 1 June | website=LTA | date=9 January 2024 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2024/1/news-releases/ez-link_adult_cardholders_and_nets_flashpay_cardholders_to_transit_to_simplygo.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=11 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111014309/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2024/1/news-releases/ez-link_adult_cardholders_and_nets_flashpay_cardholders_to_transit_to_simplygo.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CNA 2024 s464">{{cite web | title=Non-SimplyGo EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay cards not valid for public transport from June | website=CNA | date=9 January 2024 | url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/simplygo-ezlink-nets-flashpay-public-transport-fare-payment-lta-4034876 | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115062043/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/simplygo-ezlink-nets-flashpay-public-transport-fare-payment-lta-4034876 | url-status=live }}</ref> By then, a majority of commuters were already using SimplyGo, and the existing card-based system was near the end of its [[Operating life|operational lifespan]]. As it would also be costly to run both ticketing systems, the LTA decided to proceed with SimplyGo.<ref name="Tjoe 2024 r894"/>

====Criticism and transitional issues====
Many commuters expressed dissatisfaction with the change,<ref name="Ng 2024 j292">{{cite web | last=Ng | first=Abigail | title=CNA Explains: Why some Singapore commuters are upset about moving from EZ-Link to SimplyGo | website=CNA | date=11 January 2024 | url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/simplygo-ezlink-commuters-reactions-lta-4040271 | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115062104/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/simplygo-ezlink-commuters-reactions-lta-4040271 | url-status=live }}</ref> particularly the inability to ascertain the fares charged at the transaction points on buses and the MRT after their cards were upgraded to SimplyGo.<ref name="Tjoe 2024 r894">{{cite web | last=Tjoe | first=Lee Nian | title=askST: Why can't I see fares charged on card readers with SimplyGo? | website=The Straits Times | date=12 January 2024 | url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/askst-why-can-t-i-see-fares-charged-on-card-readers-with-simplygo | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115014445/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/askst-why-can-t-i-see-fares-charged-on-card-readers-with-simplygo | url-status=live }}</ref> When the issue was raised in 2023, the LTA explained that, as most of the SimplyGo features involve back-end processing, riders could not view their stored value card balance and deductions at MRT fare gates and bus readers. The fare transactions could only be viewed on the SimplyGo app.<ref name="LTA 2023 b926">{{cite web | title=View SimplyGo transactions in app and at ticketing machines | website=LTA | date=10 October 2023 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2023/10/media-replies/view-simplygo-transactions-in-app-and-at-ticketing-machines.html | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115011959/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2023/10/media-replies/view-simplygo-transactions-in-app-and-at-ticketing-machines.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The LTA said that while it would be possible to implement the feature for SimplyGo users, it would take "a few more seconds" for the information from the backend to be displayed at the fare gates, and hence would slow down commuters who were entering or exiting.<ref name="Yeo 2024 u694">{{cite web | last=Yeo | first=Nikki | title=Displaying fares, deductions at gantries under SimplyGo possible but 'will lead to longer queues': LTA | website=TODAY | date=12 January 2024 | url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/simplygo-display-fares-deductions-possible-longer-queues-lta-2341491 | access-date=15 January 2024 | archive-date=15 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115014556/https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/simplygo-display-fares-deductions-possible-longer-queues-lta-2341491 | url-status=live }}</ref>

During the week after LTA's announcement, several commuters attempted to upgrade their EZ-Link cards to the SimplyGo platform. The high transaction volume caused the SimplyGo system to become less stable and responsive, resulting in longer processing times and failed upgrades that lead to commuters' cards being invalidated.<ref name="Ng 2024 c102">{{cite web | last=Ng | first=Abigail | title=Commuters run into problems upgrading EZ-Link cards amid complaints over switch to SimplyGo | website=CNA | date=12 January 2024 | url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/simplygo-ezlink-commuters-face-issues-upgrading-4043246 | access-date=22 January 2024}}</ref> On 19 January 2024, the SimplyGo upgrade feature on ticketing machines at MRT stations have been restricted to "TUK with Supervision".<ref name="Tjoe Yaohui Xuan 2024 q742">{{cite web | last1=Tjoe | first1=Lee Nian | last2=Yaohui | first2=Lim | last3=Xuan | first3=Leow Wen | title=Free exchange of Nets FlashPay cards at SimplyGo ticket offices postponed 'until further notice' | website=The Straits Times | date=19 January 2024 | url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/nets-postpones-free-exchange-of-flashpay-cards-at-simplygo-ticket-offices-until-further-notice | access-date=22 January 2024}}</ref>

On 22 January, transport minister [[Chee Hong Tat]] announced that the LTA reversed their decision and decided to extend the use of the card-based system. Those who had converted their cards to the new SimplyGo system during the January period could revert to the old system if they preferred to at no additional cost.<ref name="LTA 2024 v425">{{cite web | title=Card Exchange for SimplyGo EZ-Link and Concession Cardholders | website=LTA | date=22 January 2024 | url=https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2024/1/news-releases/card-exchange-for-simplygo-ez-link-and-concession-cardholders.html | access-date=22 January 2024}}</ref> Chee also acknowledged that the issues encountered during the transition could have been avoided "with better preparation". An additional S$40 million (US${{ToUSD|40|Singapore|year=2020}} million) would be invested to maintain both systems.<ref name="Tjoe Yufeng 2024 x481">{{cite web | last1=Tjoe | first1=Lee Nian | last2=Yufeng | first2=Kok | title=LTA shelves plan to replace older public transport payment cards with SimplyGo by June 1 | website=The Straits Times | date=22 January 2024 | url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/lta-shelves-plan-to-replace-older-public-transport-payment-cards-with-simplygo-by-june-1 | access-date=22 January 2024}}</ref>