New monthly pass to encourage commuters to travel during off-peak hours

MRT commuters at Raffles Place station on June 23, 2013. In a bid to get more commuters to travel outside the peak hours, the Government is launching a new off-peak monthly travel pass from July 5. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
MRT commuters at Raffles Place station on June 23, 2013. In a bid to get more commuters to travel outside the peak hours, the Government is launching a new off-peak monthly travel pass from July 5. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

SINGAPORE - In a bid to get more commuters to travel outside the peak hours, the Government is launching a new off-peak monthly travel pass from July 5.

For $80 a month, commuters will get unlimited travel on buses and trains during off-peak hours on weekdays, and throughout the day on weekends and public holidays.

Off-peak hours on the weekdays are any period outside of the morning peak period from 6.30am to 9am and the evening rush hours of 5pm to 7.30pm.

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The two-year pilot scheme is expected to benefit around 40,000 commuters, the Ministry of Transport said on Wednesday.

The trial will be funded by the Government at an estimated cost of $10 million a year.

Persons with disabilities and senior citizens can also purchase the off-peak travel pass for $40 a month.

Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for the scheme.

adrianl@sph.com.sg

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