So on Jan 9, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that the legacy "EZ-Link" card that many Singaporeans have been using will be phased out.
From 1st June 2024, only the new SimplyGo card can be used for Public Transport.
But that's still months away. And I have seen the SimplyGo Card in action. And I was not impressed.
With the EZ-Link card, which is a stored value card, when you go exit the bus or train station, it lets you know how much was your fare, and how much you have left in your card.
With SimplyGo, all you see is the logo: "SimplyGo".
And LTA was heartened by the fact that about 2/3 of Singaporeans were already using SimplyGo and feedback from these users was that they were quite accepting of the new System.
It was the "laggards" that were still using the old card-based ticketing system who needed to be prodded to change to the new system.
But why?
Firstly, the old system was reaching the end of its life, in terms of technology and infrastructure.
Secondly, maintaining TWO systems - the old stored value system, and the new SimplyGo cloud-based (?) system was costly, and inefficient.
Thirdly, we would eventually move over to SimplyGo anyway, so it's just a matter of moving things along faster.
So, on 9 Jan, LTA informed the laggards that they would have to catch up with technological advancements.
And that did not go down well with the laggards.
You see, it all smacks of elitism.
Why "elitism"?
If you ask a rich person how much money he has in his wallet, he will, at best, give you an estimate - "About $50.*, "Maybe $200". "Around $120".
Go ahead. How much money do you have on your person right now?
But ask a poor person how much he has, he will give you the exact figure. Because a poor person always knows EXACTLY how much he has at all times.
SimplyGo is Simply Elitist: "You don't need to know how much you spent on public transit. It's public transit. It's nothing. Cos you're rich. You probably pay more for kopi!"
Which is why about a third of the commuters prefer the old EZLink. Because they are poor, or feel poor, or have a poor man's mindset. And they will not willingly change to the "Simply Don't Know, Just Go, OK?" system, or "SimplyGo" in short.
In a more "democratic" country (i.e. "Western" country"), the people will be organising demonstrations and protests in the streets. Maybe even blocking buses from moving.
In Singapore, there were noises on social media, and the press.
Meanwhile the Transport Minister had been arrested and charged in court. And he resigned his ministerial post, as well as his MP's seat.
All this is unrelated to the SimplyGo issue. But... maybe he didn't monitor this project as closely, cos he was busy watching football matches or theatre shows (Kinky boots)?
Because it is a bad, unnecessary decision. Some people say it's because GE is close. But I say, regardless.
Because, I believe it is the Singapore Way for the govt to listen and respond. They do not need demonstrations and protest. They DON'T WANT demonstrations and protest. So in a way, they BETTER respond BEFORE it gets to the demonstrations and protest stage.
Also, the former Transport Minister has resigned after being charged for corruption.
So...
Anyway, Chee Hong Tat has taken over and new broom reverse unpopular programme.
What's the worst job in Singapore, politically?
Being the Transport Minister.
You either get castigated every time the trains breakdown or you're doing really well until you get arrested and charged with corruption!
(That's a "Tuck Yew" to whoever's gonna be Transport Minister after this!)
PS: About the SimplyGo cards: Tuck Yew, LTA!
Third way being Transport Minister is the worst political job in Singapore:
"You get "parachuted in/field promoted to" Transport Minister because your predecessor has been arrested and charged with corruption and has resigned (in disgrace!) leaving a elitist decision fiasco that has exploded leaving you to salvage the pieces and apologise for the "error in judgement" for rushing this project through without considering needs of a significant minority."
Video: No go for SimplyGo:
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