Contactless bus fare payments to be updated more quickly on app

Bus drivers to operate a display unit, instead of two, as part of tech refresh to be done by 2027

- Mahima Srinidhi Hari

By 2027, bus commuters can expect their contactless fare payments to show up more quickly on the SimplyGo app, as part of a tech refresh by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Bus drivers will also operate a single unified display, instead of two, to help them focus better on the roads.

LTA announced earlier in July that it was calling tenders to replace the ticketing and fleet management systems for public buses.

The ticketing system is 10 years old, and the fleet management system has been around for seven years.

Also being replaced are hardware systems - such as fare collection equipment on buses and in depots - that are reaching the end of their expected lifespan. Backend systems will also be refreshed to "keep pace with technological advancements and improve operational performance", LTA added.

Work is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024 and finish in 2027.