SOME 600,000 signed-up members of the People's Association will soon be able to use their membership cards to pay for public transport rides and purchases - and rack up loyalty points along the way.

Set to be launched in November, the PAssion ez-link card is the first to double as public transport card, a cash card and also the first to earn users reward points for using the bus or MRT.

The card could pave the way for other large organisations to issue similarly-configured cards.

EZ-Link executive director Nicholas Lee said that it is actively exploring tie-ups with other companies, with an announcement on similar tie-ups set to be made in the coming months.

Points earned on the PAssion card will qualify signed-up members for discounts and promotions at more than 5,000 participating merchants, such as 7-11 convenience stores.

These cards can be topped up at any MRT station. In addition, new top-up terminals will be installed at all 105 PA Community Centres (CC).

The new venture is the result of a collaboration between the assocation and EZ-Link and QB Pte Ltd - both building the necessary technoogy infrastructure.

On its part, the PA is offering enhanced discounts for members signing up to CC courses and activities.

People's Association chief executive Tan Boon Huat said the move aims to generate greater convenience for its members, and also attract more members to the PAssion card scheme.

Read the full report in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.