EZ-Link and SimplyGo are both electronic payment systems used for public transportation in Singapore, but they operate differently:
- EZ-Link: EZ-Link is a contactless payment card that allows users to pay for various transportation services, including MRT, LRT, buses, and some taxis. Users can load the EZ-Link card with value and use it to pay for their fares by tapping the card on the card reader when entering and exiting public transport. The EZ-Link card can also be used for retail and dining payments at participating merchants.
- SimplyGo: SimplyGo is a newer initiative that enables commuters to use their contactless bank cards, such as Visa or Mastercard, or mobile payment apps, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, to pay for public transport fares directly. With SimplyGo, commuters no longer need to carry a separate EZ-Link card as they can use their contactless bank cards or mobile devices to tap in and out of public transportation services, similar to using an EZ-Link card.
SimplyGo provides greater convenience for commuters as they do not need to top up a separate card and can manage their transport expenses through their existing bank cards or mobile payment applications.
It’s important to note that the details and features of these systems may have evolved since my last update. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on EZ-Link and SimplyGo, I recommend visiting the official websites of EZ-Link and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore.