'No need to rush' to redeem SG50 seniors public transport voucher: Ministries

'No need to rush' to redeem SG50 seniors public transport voucher: Ministries

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) have clarified that a message widely circulated via SMS and WhatsApp on Friday about the redemption of the SG50 public transport voucher for seniors is inaccurate.

The message stated that those above the age of 60 can receive a $50 public transport top-up at any SMRT office today, despite the official redemption period starting only on Monday, June 15.

It read: "Please inform anyone above the age of 60years old (sic) that today if they go to any of the SMRT Offices, they can top up $50 for free, its(sic) a SG50 promotion".

According to a joint statment from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport and Transitlink on Friday, a "large number of senior citizens approached TransitLink Ticket Offices and Add Value Machines to redeem their SG50 Seniors Public Transport Voucher today".

But a decision was made to allow the early redemption to proceed instead of turning them away.

The statement added that "there is no need to rush to redeem the voucher as the redemption period is until the end of next year".

According to the ministries, the message did not originate from them, and they are investigating the matter.

As part of the SG50 Seniors package, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who are 60 years and above on or before Dec 31, 2015 will receive a SG50 Seniors Public Transport Voucher letter in June 2015.

They can bring this letter and credit the voucher into their Senior Citizen Concession Card or any other stored value travel card at any Add Value Machine Plus (AVM+) or TransitLink Ticket Office or Concession Card Replacement Office.

From next Monday, TransitLink will arrange for additional counters in 20 locations to facilitate the redemption of the voucher. A list of the locations is available on the TransitLink website at https://www.transitlink.com.sg.

For more information on redemption of the Public Transport Voucher, commuters are advised to call the TransitLink Hotline at 1800-2255 663 or email feedback@transitlink.com.sg

For more information on the SG50 Seniors package, go to the official SG50 Seniors website at www.sg50seniors.sg.

candicec@sph.com.sg

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