From 14 January 2025 to 31 October 2025, eligible lower-income households in Singapore can apply for Public Transport Vouchers (PTVs) worth S$60, part of a government effort to cushion the impact of a fare increase effective 28 December 2024. Under the 2024 PTV Exercise, these vouchers can be used to top up fare cards or to purchase monthly concession passes. According to the Ministry of Transport (MOT), about 270,000 households received PTV notification in the first stage in December 2024.
The eligibility criterion has been expanded: households with a monthly income per person of not more than S$1,800 are now eligible, up from S$1,600 in the 2023 scheme. This adjustment is expected to bring another 60,000 households into the fold. The government anticipates that in total, roughly 500,000 households will benefit.
MOT and the People’s Association will process applications and appeals within four to six weeks. The vouchers issued under this exercise will remain valid until 31 March 2026. Applications are handled via a dedicated online portal or in person at local Community Centres/Clubs (CCs).
Table of Contents
Why the S$60 Voucher Scheme Was Introduced
In late 2024, the Public Transport Council approved a fare adjustment, raising adult fares by 10 cents per trip and concession fares by 4 cents, resulting in an approximate 6 % increase in average fare cost. This move aimed to keep public transport financially sustainable while maintaining service levels, but it also placed greater pressure on lower-income households.
To ease the burden, the government tapped into the Public Transport Fund, which aggregates fare increase contributions from public transport operators and penalties from service disruptions, to disburse PTVs to qualifying households. Under the 2024 PTV Exercise, MOT and partner agencies are coordinating to ensure that beneficiaries receive timely support. (MOT’s official PTV overview page)
Stage 1 of the voucher rollout took place in December 2024, targeting households that had already met the eligibility criteria and received PTVs in 2023. Stage 2 opens wider access via direct application or appeal for those who did not receive initial vouchers.
Who Qualifies and How Eligibility Works
To be eligible for the S$60 PTV, a household must meet the following criteria:
- The monthly household income per person (i.e., total household income divided by household size) is not more than S$1,800.
- The household must be composed of resident members (citizens or permanent residents).
This income threshold was raised from S$1,600 in the previous exercise, bringing in an additional 60,000 households into eligibility. In Stage 1, 270,000 households that had previously received the voucher and still met income requirements were issued notification letters. In Stage 2, additional households are encouraged to apply or appeal if they believe they meet the criteria.
A real-world illustration: a five-member household with a total income of S$9,000 (i.e., S$1,800 per person) qualifies, but a three-member household earning S$6,000 (i.e., S$2,000 per person) would be above the threshold and ineligible.
Application Mechanics and Timeline
Applications and appeals may be submitted online via the PTV portal or in person at Community Centres/Clubs (CCs). The application window opens on 14 January 2025 and closes on 31 October 2025.
| Stage | Date or Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application period | 14 Jan – 31 Oct 2025 | For households who missed or were excluded in Stage 1 |
| Processing time | 4 to 6 weeks | Applies to both first applications and appeals |
| Voucher validity | Up to 31 March 2026 | Redemption must occur before this expiry date |
After a successful application or appeal, the household will receive a notification letter (digital or physical). Redemption options include using the SimplyGo app or at kiosks such as SimplyGo Kiosks, Assisted Service Kiosks, top-up kiosks, ticket offices, or ticketing service centres.
If a household’s application is initially rejected, they may appeal through the same channels within the application window. Appeals are processed within a four- to six-week timeline.
Redemption, Usage, and Important Conditions
Once a household redeems the voucher, the S$60 amount may be used in one of two ways:
- Topping up fare cards is ideal for households with irregular or mixed travel needs.
- Purchasing a monthly concession pass is better suited to commuters with predictable, daily travel patterns.
Only one voucher is issued per eligible household; it is non-transferable. Households that previously received a PTV in Stage 1 but have not redeemed it may still follow the instructions in the notification letter to redeem it.
The vouchers remain usable until 31 March 2026, after which any unused portion will expire. Therefore, households are advised to redeem and use them promptly.
Coverage, Impact, and Future Outlook
With the raised eligibility threshold and larger voucher value, the 2024 PTV Exercise extends support to more households than prior rounds. Analysts estimate that around 500,000 households may benefit, providing essential travel relief amid rising living costs.
By blending fare adjustment with targeted support, Singapore strives to maintain a balance: ensuring public transport remains financially viable while preserving affordability for vulnerable segments. One related outcome: by the end of July 2025, over 12,000 households under ComCare schemes had already been slated for automatic PTV issuance.
Going forward, the success of the voucher scheme may shape future fare policies and social support schemes, particularly as economic pressures and inflation challenge household budgets.