Some 79,000 residents have applied for public transport vouchers in the first four days of this year's exercise.

The Government has set aside $7.5 million to fund 250,000 vouchers of $30 each to help needy families cope with a fare increase that will kick in from April 6.

Unlike previous years where applicants had to make two trips to community centres to apply and then pick up the vouchers, those who apply this year will only need to make one trip to sign up for the vouchers.

Successful applicants will receive a voucher by post, which they can present to any TransitLink office to top up their travel card or buy a monthly concession pass.

They can also top up the travel card at any of the 74 add-value machines located at selected MRT stations, interchanges and bus stops.

This year's public transport voucher exercise will be open for applications year-round. This is unlike the last exercise in 2011, when there was a deadline for applications.

The Transport Ministry said there is no need for commuters to rush to apply for the vouchers.