Issued By: EZ-Link Pte Ltd, Transit Link Pte Ltd
SINGAPORE, 12 December 2007 – The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) today officially launched the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) and a Public Transport Guide for Tourists (The ‘Travel with Ease’Guide) – two new initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitors’; experience when commuting on Singapore’s public transport system.
The Singapore Tourist Pass, produced by EZ-Link in collaboration with LTA and STB, is the only pass in Singapore that offers tourists unlimited rides on Singapore’s public transport system with the option of a 1-Day, 2-Day or 3-Day pass for just S$8 per day. With the STP, travelling on Singapore’s MRT, LRT and basic bus services becomes a cost-effective and convenient way for tourists to explore Singapore and enjoy the best the city has to offer.
STPs bought or issued in Singapore at authorised sales counters come with a refundable rental deposit of S$10 if the card is returned within five days of issuance. The card can be purchased or returned at designated Transitlink Ticket offices located at selected MRT stations. By the first half of 2008, the card can also be purchased or returned at the Singapore Visitor’s Centres located at Orchard Road and Changi Airport.
The STP can also function like a normal ez-link card so tourists can top up the value of the card and make payments at selected retail outlets. In addition, tourists can use the STP to enjoy a variety of special offers and discounts at selected merchants. When the STP validity period ends, tourists can continue to use the card just like a normal ez-link card by topping up the card with value or they can purchase a new pass.
Complementing the STP is the "Travel with Ease – Public Transport Guide for Tourists". It is a comprehensive, foldout guide that shows tourists how to explore Singapore using the public transport system. It presents tourists with useful information on the various modes of public transport and gives travel directions to various places of interest. Also included are map information on Singapore’s MRT and LRT System and Key Bus Services for Orchard Road. Available in English, Simplified Chinese and Bahasa Melayu, the Guide can be picked up at selected Singapore Visitors Centres and MRT stations.
Commenting on the launch of the two initiatives, Mr Jeremy Yap, Acting Group Director, Vehicle & Transit Licensing, LTA said, "For the first-time visitor in an unfamiliar city, finding their way around using public transport may require some effort. With the "Travel with Ease" Guide and The Singapore Tourist Pass, visitors to Singapore can now plan and navigate their public transport travel effectively and confidently. The former is a handy fold-out guide that empowers first-time visitors with comprehensive travel information on our public transport system, while the latter provides a convenient ticket to travel seamlessly on public buses and trains. Together, they demonstrate to visitors that venturing into various parts of the island by public transport can be a fun and easy experience. We are pleased to have been able to partner with EZ-Link and STB to roll out these initiatives that are instrumental to our efforts to promote the use of public transport among visitors."
Mr. Muhammad Rostam Umar, Director of Communications, STB added: "We see the initiatives launched today as being important for visitors interested in exploring Singapore on their own and to discover for themselves the many unique and exciting experiences that Singapore has to offer. With the introduction of the Singapore Tourist Pass and the "Travel with Ease" Guide, we will be better able to meet the needs of this group of visitors."
"EZ-link is proud and delighted to introduce The Singapore Tourist Pass which offers tourists the benefit of unlimited rides on our public transport system for the duration of the pass purchased. We thank LTA, STB and all our other partners for their support and assistance in developing this product. Bundled with suggested itineraries, merchant offers and featured places of interests, the Pass is definitely the most sensible, economical and easiest way for tourists to explore our island state," remarked Mr. Nicholas Lee, Senior V.P. Business & Technology, EZ-Link.
About EZ-Link
EZ-Link’s core business is the sale, distribution and management of ez-link cards as well as the clearing and settlement of ez-link card transactions generated in transit and non-transit (retail/merchant) applications.
To date, EZ-Link has issued over 10 million cards and achieved more wallet share in Singapore than any other single card payment device. On a daily basis, over 4 million financial transactions are processed throughout our system and this is constantly growing with the proliferation of the ez-link card in the non-transit payment arena.
About LTA
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport that spearheads land transport developments in Singapore. LTA plans the long-term transport needs of Singapore, taking care of those who drive as well as those who take public transport. The ultimate goal is a smooth and seamless journey for all.
About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore’s key service sectors – tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a memorable destination through the proliferation of the destination brand Uniquely Singapore. For more information, please visit www.stb.gov.sg.