Monthly public transport concession passes in Singapore

If there’s one thing that can unite Singaporeans, it’s complaining online about the cost of living. And among the usual suspects, public transport fares are always a hot topic.

Whether you think these fare hikes are justified or not, one thing is certain: you’ll soon have to set aside a little more money for your daily commute. Come 26th December 2026, bus and train fares will see an overall increase of 7%, driven by a surge in energy and diesel prices amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

To help you save on transport costs, we’ve broken down the different types of monthly public transport concession passes available in Singapore, their prices, and eligibility requirements.

How much is the increase in public transport fares?

Image credit: CT via Google Maps

Adult card fares will increase by $0.12 to $0.13 per journey, marking the largest-ever increase in absolute dollar terms. Meanwhile, seniors, students, and persons with disabilities using concession cards will see an increase of $0.05 per journey.

However, monthly travel passes have been spared from the fare hikes, offering commuters a way to soften the blow.

What are monthly travel concession passes? 

Image credit: Kadek Adi Rian via Facebook

These travel passes cap public transport costs for heavy users by offering unlimited travel across the island’s basic bus and MRT/LRT networks for a fixed 1-month period.

What are the different monthly concession passes in Singapore?

Here’s a quick overview of the different passes and who’s eligible:

What are the eligibility criteria for each monthly concession pass? 

Refer to the table below to check whether you’re eligible:

*This applies to full-time NSFs serving in the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Civil Defence Force or the Singapore Police Force. 

**Full details for the PWD Monthly Concession Pass can be found on the SimplyGo website.

***Full details for the Workfare Monthly Concession Pass can be found on the SimplyGo website. 

Which tertiary institutions are eligible for student concession passes? 

Image credit: DIY Singapore/Malaysia Travel Tips ( Pinoy Group ) via Facebook

If you’re wondering whether the tertiary institution you’re enrolled in qualifies for a concession pass, we’ve compiled a list of eligible schools for your reference:

How much do monthly concession passes cost?

Not all monthly travel passes offer the same value, and the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best for your daily commute. Hence, choosing a pass that matches your travel habits could help you save more in the long run. Here’s how much each pass costs by commuter category:

How do I apply for a monthly concession pass? 

Image credit: Vetta Ong via Google Maps 

Cards are issued through different channels depending on the concession type. Eligible primary and secondary school students generally receive their cards through their schools, while polytechnic and university students can collect theirs through their institutions during bulk application periods. Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) receive their cards during enlistment.

For senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Workfare Transport Concession Cardholders, new cards are mailed within 14 working days of a successful application.

For the rest of us, the Adult Monthly Travel Card can be applied for via the SimplyGo app (App Store | Google Play), at any SimplyGo Ticket Office, or at a SimplyGo Ticketing Service Centre.

Do I need to activate or top up my concession card? 

Image credit: Josie Wanders via Google Maps

You can activate your new concession cards in person at any SimplyGo Ticket Office. Remember to bring your original proof of identity and make the minimum top-up required for your card type.

The minimum activation top-up varies by card type. Student concession cardholders up to diploma level need to top up at least $2, while eligible university students must top up $5. For senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the minimum is $4, while Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and Workfare Transport Concession Cardholders need to top up $5.

Unlike concession cards, the Adult Monthly Travel Card does not require a minimum top-up for activation.

Is a monthly concession pass worth buying? 

Screenshot from: SimplyGo app 

While this depends on which concession category you fall under, it’s worth considering how often you take public transport each month. If you commute to work or school every day, a monthly pass may be worth considering.

More importantly, compare the pass price against how much you already spend on public transport each month, which you can check on the SimplyGo app. If your monthly spending exceeds the cost of a suitable pass, switching to one could help you save money.

Do note that this spending is only tracked for cards you’ve linked to the app, and the total combines bus and train fares rather than breaking them down separately. You may have to do some calculations to work out whether a bus-only, train-only, or hybrid pass makes the most financial sense.

Save on transport fares with Singapore’s monthly concession passes 

With public transport fares constantly on the rise, now might be the time to purchase a monthly travel pass to keep your commuting costs in check. After all, every dollar saved on your daily commute is another dollar you can put towards your next meal or weekend plans.

For other hacks to stretch your dollar:

• Transfer between buses & MRT stations without paying another boarding charge
• 13 free motorcycle parking spots
• 8 ways to get free or cheap groceries in Singapore

Cover image adapted from: Kadek Adi Rian via Facebook, CT via Google Maps