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Public transport is a lifeline in Singapore, connecting millions of people daily across buses and trains. With rising living costs and fare adjustments, it is important to ensure that lower-income households are not left behind. To support these families, the government has introduced the $60 Public Transport Voucher for 2025. This initiative aims to ease the burden of transport expenses, especially for households that rely heavily on public transport for work, school, and essential activities.
The following guide explains who qualifies for this voucher, when and how to apply, and the steps to claim it successfully.
Purpose of the $60 Transport Voucher
The voucher is part of the Public Transport Voucher Exercise, which is carried out whenever fares increase. In December 2024, bus and train fares went up, and to cushion the impact, the government raised the value of the voucher to $60.
The support measure not only helps to offset fare hikes but also ensures that public transport remains accessible and affordable for families with limited income. The scheme reflects Singapore’s wider commitment to inclusivity and affordability in its public transport system.
Who is Eligible for the Voucher
Eligibility is based on household income and citizenship status. To qualify, households must meet the following criteria:
- The total gross monthly household income per person must not exceed $1,800. Gross income includes wages, overtime, allowances, and bonuses. The income is then divided by the number of people living in the same household.
- At least one member of the household must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
These requirements are designed to focus support on families most affected by fare increases. Households that narrowly miss the criteria or have special circumstances, such as unexpected financial difficulties, may still appeal.
Automatic Allocation for Some Households
The voucher distribution happens in two stages. In the first stage, households that received the Public Transport Voucher in 2023 and still qualify automatically receive the voucher again.
By the end of December 2024, these households are notified either by mail or digitally through government platforms. This automatic allocation ensures that families who have consistently relied on assistance do not miss out.
Application Period for 2025
The second stage begins on 14 January 2025 and runs until 31 October 2025. During this period, eligible households that were not automatically given the voucher can apply.
Applications can be submitted online through the official government portal or in person at Community Centres and Clubs. The long application window gives families sufficient time to check their eligibility and gather the necessary documents.
Validity of the Voucher
The $60 voucher issued under this exercise will remain valid until 31 March 2026. This allows households flexibility in when they use it, whether immediately to offset monthly transport costs or later in the year when expenses might be higher.
How to Apply Step by Step
Applying for the voucher is simple and can be done either online or in person. The process is as follows:
- Check eligibility by calculating household income per person and confirming citizenship status.
- Apply online via the official portal or submit documents in person at a Community Centre.
- Provide supporting details such as household members, income proof, and identification.
- Submit appeal if income slightly exceeds the threshold or if there are special circumstances.
- Wait for notification, which usually arrives within four to six weeks after the application.
Once approved, households will receive a letter detailing how to redeem the voucher.
How to Claim the Voucher
After approval, the $60 voucher can be used in several convenient ways. It may be redeemed through the SimplyGo app, SimplyGo kiosks, ticketing service centres, or assisted service kiosks at MRT stations.
Households can choose to use the voucher for topping up fare cards or purchasing monthly concession passes. This flexibility allows families to apply the voucher in a way that best suits their travel needs.
Expansion of the Scheme
The 2024 fare increase prompted the government to expand both the value of the voucher and the number of households eligible. Previously, the income cap was $1,600 per person, but it has now been raised to $1,800 per person.
This adjustment brings an additional 60,000 households into the support net, showing how the scheme adapts to changing economic conditions and the needs of citizens. The higher value of $60 also provides greater relief compared to earlier years.
Support for Appeals and Special Cases
Not every family fits neatly into the eligibility criteria. Some may face sudden medical bills, job losses, or other hardships that strain their finances. For such cases, an appeals process is in place.
Appeals can be submitted during the application period, and households are encouraged to provide as much supporting evidence as possible. Community Centres are also equipped to assist applicants who need help with forms or have language barriers.
Why the Voucher Matters
Public transport is not just about moving from one place to another; it is about access to opportunities. By reducing the cost of travel, the voucher helps families stay mobile, access jobs, and ensure children can travel to schools affordably.
It also demonstrates a principle of shared responsibility. While commuters contribute to fare increases that help sustain and improve the transport system, the government steps in to support those who may otherwise struggle with these costs.
Tips for a Smooth Application
To ensure a smooth process, households should prepare early. Gathering income documents such as payslips or CPF contribution statements before applying will save time. Applicants should also double-check personal information to avoid delays.
For those applying in person, visiting Community Centres during off-peak hours can reduce waiting time. Households should also mark key deadlines, such as 31 October 2025 for applications and 31 March 2026 for redemption, to avoid missing out.
Conclusion
The Singapore $60 Transport Voucher for 2025 is a timely initiative that balances fare adjustments with support for households most in need. By expanding eligibility and raising the value of the voucher, the government ensures that lower-income families can continue to rely on affordable, efficient public transport.
With clear application dates, straightforward processes, and a long validity period, the scheme is designed to be accessible and helpful. For households struggling with rising costs, this voucher is more than financial aid; it is reassurance that no one is left behind in Singapore’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable transport.