79,000 apply for transport vouchers

Since the start of the exercise on Monday, 79,000 people have applied for transport vouchers. The Government will fund 250,000 transport vouchers, with a total value of $7.5 million, to help needy families cope with the fare increase. The fare adjustment was announced in January, and will see bus and train fares to go up by two to six cents come April.

Families who are eligible for transport vouchers can apply at 107 community centres and clubs islandwide, and can do so multiple times until the vouchers run out.

The Transport Ministry and People's Association (PA) said that there is no rush to apply for the vouchers. The PA will also continue to work with citizen consultative committees to help needy families apply for the vouchers.

This year, the application process has also been simplified. Residents will only need to make one trip for the application. If successful, they will receive a letter by post, which can then be presented to any TransitLink offices to top up their EZ-link cards or used to purchase concession passes.