USING BUS SERVICES



The two main bus operators in Singapore are SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd.

Two types of fares are payable on buses:

Flat Fare - A single fare is charged for each trip regardless of the distance travelled.
Distance-Related Fare - Fares are charged according to the number of fare stages travelled.

For cash paying commuters, please check ahead for the correct fare and drop the exact fare into the farebox as no change will be given. Retain the ticket throughout the bus ride as proof of payment. Alternatively, fares can also be paid the cheaper and cashless way with the stored value card on all SBS Transit and SMRT buses.



HOW TO USE YOUR STORED VALUE CARD CORRECTLY WHEN TRAVELLING ON BUSES

Usage of stored value card on Buses

Please do not place your stored value card on top of another stored value card inside your wallet or any personal carrier. Only the intended card to be used for travel should be tapped at the bus to avoid problems and/or retention of your card. Each card is to be used separately.

Commuters may find these tips useful when tapping the stored value card on the card reader upon boarding and alighting from the bus.



BUS AND TICKETING EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN PROCEDURES

For SBS Transit and SMRT Bus Services

Scenario

Stored Value card passenger

Cash passenger
Breakdown of 2 entry card readers Please pay by cash at stored value card rate, rounded down to the nearest 10 cents. No ticket will be issued.

If transfer rebate is applicable, please take the next bus and file a claim at TransitLink website, TransitLink Hotline 1800-CALL ONE (1800-2255 663) or TransitLink Ticket Office within five working days.

NA
Breakdown of 2 exit card readers Commuters will still be able to tap their stored value cards at the Entry card reader for entry and exit. The correct fare will be deducted from the commuter's stored value card as per normal.

NA
Bus breakdown but the stored value card system is serviceable The current trip will be free if you follow the instructions to claim back the initial amount deducted:

  1. Wait for the bus driver to switch the readers to the Breakdown mode.

  2. Tap your stored value card on the reader that is closer to the bus driver. This will credit back the initial amount deducted.

  3. Collect a complimentary ticket from the bus driver. Ticket is valid for one month from date of issue and can be used for another trip.

  4. Take another bus. You will need to tap your stored value card upon boarding this bus and tap when alighting.

 Collect the complimentary ticket from the bus driver and alight. Ticket is valid for one month and can be used for another trip.

When boarding the next bus, show the bus ticket to the bus driver and inform him that you were from a breakdown bus.
All stored value card devices fail but the bus is serviceable In the case when the principal on-bus device* becomes faulty, the Bus Entry and Exit Processors will cease to function. The bus driver will still complete the journey if there are passengers on board. This helps commuters save time, as they do not have to transfer to another bus.

Commuters who have not boarded the bus and wish to use stored value cards for payment may wait for the next bus.

Commuters may still board the bus by paying cash at stored value rate, rounded down to the nearest 10 cents. No ticket will be issued. If applicable for transfer rebate, affected commuters may file a claim at TransitLink website, TransitLink Hotline 1800-CALL ONE (1800-2255 663) or TransitLink Ticket Office within five working days.

When the principal on-bus device is faulty, the bus driver will not be able to issue receipts for cash fare or complimentary bus vouchers on the spot.

In principle, bus commuters should not pay higher fares when bus equipment fails. Affected commuters who are already on board and could not tap card on the exit card reader upon alighting due to principal on-bus device failure may file a claim at TransitLink website, TransitLink Hotline 1800-CALL ONE (1800-2255 663) or TransitLink Ticket Office within five working days.

Pay cash at stored value rate, rounded down to the nearest 10 cents. No ticket will be issued.
Both bus and stored value devices break down Alight without tapping on the exit reader.

The bus driver will escort you to the next bus of the same service.

File a claim at TransitLink website, TransitLink Hotline 1800-CALL ONE (1800-2255 663) or TransitLink Ticket Office within five working days.

 The bus driver will escort you to the next bus of the same service.

Follow the bus driver’s instructions. When boarding the next bus, show the bus ticket to the bus driver and inform him that you were from the breakdown bus.
Buses involved in incidents / accidents (where bus is still serviceable) Please remain on board unless otherwise informed by the bus driver.

* Principal on-bus device records all on-board transactions and is also used to process cash payment and display card status.