Application and redemption periods for public transport vouchers extended
SINGAPORE — The government will extend the application and redemption deadlines for the 2019 Public Transport Voucher (PTV) exercise.
In a joint statement on Friday (4 September), the Ministry of Transport and the People’s Association (PA) said the application deadline will be extended from 31 October to 31 January next year.
Meanwhile, the deadline for redemption will be extended from 31 March to 30 June next year.
Eligible households – those where monthly household income from all sources per person does not exceed $1,200 – can apply for the $50 vouchers at their local community centres or clubs (CCs).
The vouchers can be used for monthly concession passes or fare cards.
In their statement, MOT and PA said, “The Citizens’ Consultative Committees (CCCs) will also assess and help deserving cases who marginally miss these criteria or provide additional PTVs to households which may be deemed to need more help. Residents may approach their local CCs if they have any queries.”
Some low-income households to receive PTVs directly
Some 30,000 low-income households will also automatically qualify for the PTV and receive a redemption letter directly in their mail boxes.
These households fall under the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) and Long-Term Assistance (LTA) schemes.
“ComCare SMTA and LTA beneficiaries who have previously applied and received PTVs through the 2019 PTV Exercise are also eligible for this additional disbursement. This will support low-income households who have been more adversely affected by the economic downturn,” said MOT and PA.
No fare adjustments for LWWs, PWDs
In a separate statement, MOT said the government has also decided not to grant any fare adjustments for Lower-Wage Workers (LWWs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
“LWWs will continue to enjoy discounts of up to 25 per cent off adult fares. PWDs will continue to be pegged to that of seniors, which is up to 55 per cent off adult fares,” said MOT.
“The price of the monthly concession pass for PWDs will remain unchanged at $64. In addition, like all other commuters, LWWs and PWDs will continue to enjoy lower morning pre-peak rail fare, with a discount of up to 50 cents,” the ministry added.
MOT said it will ensure there is sufficient help for commuters in need.
Members of the public who have any queries regarding the concession schemes, including the application process and the eligibility criteria, can call 1800-2255-663 or visit www.transitlink.com.sg.
Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Other Singapore stories:
Changi Airport Group chairman Liew Mun Leong's maid acquitted of theft: High Court
WP Jamus Lim's speech on minimum wage, compassion draws robust reactions from PAP MPs
Survey: 85% of respondents proud to be Singaporean, but only 15% happy with cost of living
