Ho Ching joins critique of SimplyGo by sharing viral FB post of Critical Spectator

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans’ discontent with the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s decision on 9 January continues to reverberate.

The LTA’s recent announcement about upgrading the EZ-Link card to SimplyGo has triggered criticism among the Singapore public.

The main source of dissatisfaction lies in SimplyGo’s perceived inconvenience of not displaying the balance when tapping on public transport.

A notable critique emerged from Critical Spectator, who likened LTA’s SimplyGo to a Tesla in need of fixing to avert a potential public relations disaster.

Mdm Ho Ching, former Temasek Holdings CEO and the wife of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as she had in the past, shared the post of the Polish blogger on her Facebook page (14 Jan), addressing the upcoming transition to the new SimplyGo-powered cards.

Since Mdm Ho shared the post, it has garnered 300 comments, 675 likes, and 92 shares. The post of Critical Spectator on the other hand has been shared over 1,500 times and commented over 1,200 times.

The discussion continues to unfold as Singaporeans express their views on the matter.

Netizens voice concerns over SimplyGo system

Under Mdm Ho’s Facebook post, many netizens have expressed their concerns about the SimplyGo system.

One user humorously remarked that LTA could be interpreted as “Late to Action,” stating, “Anything related to LTA is always Late To Action. Get used to it. Don’t complain, be grateful. LTA will later than action. Don’t worry.”

A different perspective was shared by a user who agreed with Ho Ching’s sentiments, expressing concern about the increasing number of apps from various companies and banks on mobile devices.

They pointed out the potential security risks associated with multiple apps and raised the issue of being unable to use public transport when a mobile’s battery runs out.

In response to Mdm Ho’s frustrations, another user expressed dissatisfaction with SimplyGo, stating, “SimplyGo is simply no go.”

They questioned the necessity of using a phone to check trip fares and balances, and criticized the additional inconvenience of downloading yet another app and managing another password.

Some users urged Mdm Ho to relay their concerns to her husband and advocated for a reversal of the SimplyGo system.

They suggested that Singapore authorities should address public concerns and involve those responsible for the project to prevent wasted time, resources, and taxpayer money, which only leads to more inconvenience for the general public.

Optimistic users find merits in SimplyGo system despite criticisms

However, it appears that not everyone is dissatisfied with SimplyGo, as some netizens are actively seeking positive aspects of the system.

One user pointed out, “It is clear to me that the government wants us to download the SimplyGo app, where you can monitor your balance and top up at any time, including cards of family members. In any transition of systems, there would be pros and cons. Try first, then complain.”

The user emphasized the need to adapt to the changing times, stating, “We have to move with the times because it is always moving.”

Another user, addressing Mdm Ho Ching, expressed gratitude for bringing up the issue but shared a positive experience.

They initially disagreed with the SimplyGo screen but were pleasantly surprised when using public transport.

However, the user observed that the system now displays the remaining balance during tap in and out, providing awareness of bus fare and card balance.

They commended this as a positive move, if indeed implemented by SimplyGo, stating, “They hear what people have been looking for.”

Yet another user highlighted a useful feature, stating, “You can turn on notifications for transaction alerts. The message will tell you how much was deducted and the balance. You can check back even days later.”