Hi Readers! Do you know that in Singapore, you can ride the train without paying at all? Yes it is possible! The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has extended the Free Pre-Peak Travel scheme till 30 June 2016. For those “early-bird” commuters, you may now travel to the city via the train for FREE as long as you tap-out of the selected MRT stations before 7.45am!
For those who miss the 7.45am cut-off timing for free travel, you may still enjoy up to $0.50 off your train fare if you exit the same MRT stations between 7.45am and 8am. This Free Pre-Peak Travel scheme is only applicable on weekdays, excluding public holidays!!
Free Pre-Peak Travel is a travel smart initiative launched by LTA that encourages commuters to travel early; before the peak hour.
The objective of free pre-peak travel is to encourage commuters who are able and willing to make changes to their travel schedule, to travel earlier into the city area before the peak hour. This will help spread out the morning peak hour crowds to the pre-peak period and ease the crowding situation on city-bound stretches of the MRT network.
Here are the 18 Selected MRT stations that are eligible for Free Pre-Peak Travel
- EAST WEST LINE – Bugis, City Hall, Lavender, Outram Park, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar
- CIRCLE LINE – Bayfront, Bras Basah, Promenade, Esplanade, Dhoby Ghaut
- NORTH-SOUTH LINE – Dhoby Ghaut, Somerset, Orchard, Marina Bay, Raffles Place, City Hall
- DOWNTOWN LINE – Telok Ayer, Downtown, Bayfront, Promenade, Chinatown, Bugis
- NORTH-EAST LINE – Clarke Quay, Chinatown, Dhoby Ghaut, Outram Park
1) It motivates me to wake up early for breakfast!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In the past I used to skip my breakfast as I would prefer to sleep in. However, Free Pre-Peak Travel and Travel Smart Rewards now motivates me to get up early as it allows me to travel for FREE (before 7.45am) to the city area for a delicious Singapore-style breakfast at places such as the Killiney Kopitiam. I can grab breakfast and at the same time earn more points via Travel Smart Rewards, increasing my chances of winning the lucky draw on the Travel Smart Rewards website.
2) Getting fitter day by day
Jogging is an important activity that keeps me fit and healthy. With the Free Pre-Peak Travel and Travel Smart Rewards scheme, it makes me want to travel down to the city area where my office is – Marina Bay for an early jog rather than at the typical usual HDB Parks. Based on my personal experience, jogging early in the morning can also help me kick off the day with a refreshing start
Another alternative would be HPB’s Sunrise in the City programme! Held in the early mornings in gyms around the island, it’s a practical alternative for those who prefer indoor activities and a place to shower thereafter; leaving you all feeling fresh and smelling good for work!
3) Explore and discover the new nature in Singapore
If you are a nature lover like me, you will want to wake up early to explore some of the sights that nature has to offer. Going bright and early in the day would allow me to appreciate nature at its best. Likewise, with the Travel Smart rewards, travelling early on the off-peak hours to my destination is an advantage for me to discover the new scenic spots in Singapore such as Coney Island and Gardens by the Bay.