Lower-Income Households in Singapore Can Apply for Transport Vouchers

Eligible lower-income households in Singapore can apply for public transport vouchers valued at S$60 (approximately US$46) starting from January 20, 2025. This initiative aims to assist families in managing their commuting expenses throughout the year, according to Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Transport.

The vouchers target households with a monthly income per person of no more than S$1,800. The Ministry of Transport and the People’s Association have announced that, as in previous years, the distribution of vouchers will occur in two stages. The first stage began in December 2025, when notification letters were sent to around 300,000 households that qualified based on their participation in the previous year’s program.

The second stage of the voucher distribution will begin on January 20 and will continue until October 31, 2025. Households that meet the income eligibility criteria but did not receive a voucher in the first stage can apply for the public transport vouchers either online or in person at their local community centres or clubs.

During this application period, households facing additional financial challenges—such as those whose incomes exceed the eligibility threshold—can also submit applications at their local community centres.

For those who received a notification letter, the process to redeem the vouchers is straightforward. Households can follow the instructions provided in the letter to claim their vouchers through the SimplyGo app or at designated kiosks, including SimplyGo ticket offices and service centres. The vouchers issued for the 2025 public transport voucher exercise will remain valid until March 31, 2027.

In related news, the Public Transport Council revealed last year that there would be a fare increase of 9 to 10 cents per journey for adult card fares on public transport, while concession card journeys would see an increase of 3 to 4 cents for trips exceeding 3.2 km. This fare adjustment took effect on December 27, 2025, marking a 5 percent overall fare increase, a slight decrease from the 6 percent rise seen the previous year.

Residents with questions regarding the transport vouchers or the fare increases are encouraged to consult their local community centres for assistance.