SimplyGo screw ups

[sglandscape]

By that same logic, perhaps you dont need to check the grocery or restaurant bill. Just go off, and come back for refund a few days later, if you notice any discrepancies?

My Final Year Project on technology acceptance model, was about ensuring a new tech is useful and easy to use. LTA didnt consider the 1/3 population carefully, when they took out a feature that the 1/3 found useful.

With this new technology, drivers effectively need to have 2 cards, vs 1 previously. How is that an advancement?

You're comparing apple and oranges. Transport is fixed fare, you don't exacely get to pick and choose and the price would vary. For a fixed distance, the price is always the same until the fare changes.

1/3 of the population find useful is likely an over estimate, as the vocal majority are likely what you're seeing.

Drivers is a seperate issue. Do you actually drive? With the new ERP system, most drivers would likely be happy they do not have to top up a card and use an account based system too.

 

[maumu]

To build credibility you may want stronger arguments though:

- The elderly on the concession card would not be impacted (that is the only way they enjoy the discount senior fares)
- Checking for overcharging is easier today (check it on the app) VS having to remember when tapping out or checking at the Station counter

- I'm not referring to those on concession card or whatever, but the general population segment which are being forced to use tech which they are not used to using or navigating. as the population ages, there's an increasing number of elderlies being 'left behind' by the implementation of the tech stuff, just saying.

- I never like to wait for problem to happen before solving the problem. I rather there is no problem in the first place. who likes to check his SimplyGo app everyday just to find out if he was being overcharged due to the system fault? why create a (potential) problem when there was no problem initially for the end-user (those using ez-link)?

anyway, having used simplygo for the past 2, 3 years I've seen the pros and cons and I'm not saying it's all doom and gloom. but they really need to improve the system before forcing it down everyone's throat. the first thing they can do is to improve the system to ensure no over-charging of passengers due to internal system fault (e.g. passenger taps correctly but system failed to capture for whatever reason like lag, GPS error, etc.). a simple notification about 'missed exits' to remind passengers to submit a claim will do a lot of help (and PR) instead of quitely / silently over-charging and waiting for passengers who bothered to check the app to submit claims thereafter.

 

[reddevil0728]

- I'm not referring to those on concession card or whatever, but the general population segment which are being forced to use tech which they are not used to using or navigating. as the population ages, there's an increasing number of elderlies being 'left behind' by the implementation of the tech stuff, just saying.

but it can be argued that, precisely because of this, that's why you want to breed a generation of elderlies who can keep pace with tech, rather than just kicking the can down the road right?

- I never like to wait for problem to happen before solving the problem. I rather there is no problem in the first place. who likes to check his SimplyGo app everyday just to find out if he was being overcharged due to the system fault? why create a (potential) problem when there was no problem initially for the end-user (those using ez-link)?

but that's on the basis that people do check when they use ezlink to pay leh.

anyway, having used simplygo for the past 2, 3 years I've seen the pros and cons and I'm not saying it's all doom and gloom. but they really need to improve the system before forcing it down everyone's throat. the first thing they can do is to improve the system to ensure no over-charging of passengers due to internal system fault (e.g. passenger taps correctly but system failed to capture for whatever reason like lag, GPS error, etc.). a simple notification about 'missed exits' to remind passengers to submit a claim will do a lot of help (and PR) instead of quitely / silently over-charging and waiting for passengers who bothered to check the app to submit claims thereafter.

but how is that different from ezlink? same right?

 

[maumu]

but it can be argued that, precisely because of this, that's why you want to breed a generation of elderlies who can keep pace with tech, rather than just kicking the can down the road right?

but that's on the basis that people do check when they use ezlink to pay leh.

but how is that different from ezlink? same right?

do you take bus/mrt?

use ezlink can see the fees immediately on the reader. what's there to check for ezlink?

 

[reddevil0728]

do you take bus/mrt?

use ezlink can see the fees immediately on the reader. what's there to check for ezlink?

That's not the point.

My point is, overcharging happens whether the fare is shown or not if there is indeed an internal system fault or lag.

And even with current system, if people don't look at the fare, and hence wouldn't know kena overcharge, is no different if there is simplygo.

i don't disagree that removal of the fare amount at the gantry is indeed making it less conducive.

I think they should see how they can speed up the processing to just be milliseconds rather than a few seconds.

 

[hyperbole]

i've been overcharged using ez link before. i don't think it's a uniquely simplygo problem. those people blaming simplygo probably have never checked their fare history and just assumed the fares are correct cos it's shown on the reader?

 

[maumu]

i've been overcharged using ez link before. i don't think it's a uniquely simplygo problem. those people blaming simplygo probably have never checked their fare history and just assumed the fares are correct cos it's shown on the reader?

simplygo does not show fare deduction ("cos it's shown on the reader"). do you want to rephrase what you are trying to say?

and I'm not saying that ezlink won't have system issue. but at least the fare is visible the moment you tap. unless you blind... then no choice ask someone to check later.

those people who have experienced overcharging on simplygo due to system fault (not user fault) will understand the pain of having to check every single trip, wait for days for the app to confirm the charges, then submit claim and wait another few days to get the refund. I get the sense that those who're saying "it's not a big deal to submit claims" probably don't take bus/mrt often, or have yet to experience such issues.

the system is simply... retarded.

 

[reddevil0728]

simplygo does not show fare deduction ("cos it's shown on the reader"). do you want to rephrase what you are trying to say?

and I'm not saying that ezlink won't have system issue. but at least the fare is visible the moment you tap. unless you blind... then no choice ask someone to check later.

those people who have experienced overcharging on simplygo due to system fault (not user fault) will understand the pain of having to check every single trip, wait for days for the app to confirm the charges, then submit claim and wait another few days to get the refund. I get the sense that those who're saying "it's not a big deal to submit claims" probably don't take bus/mrt often, or have yet to experience such issues.

the system is simply... retarded.

Or it can be there are people who are very organised and discipline, while some aren’t.

 

[hyperbole]

simplygo does not show fare deduction ("cos it's shown on the reader"). do you want to rephrase what you are trying to say?

and I'm not saying that ezlink won't have system issue. but at least the fare is visible the moment you tap. unless you blind... then no choice ask someone to check later.

those people who have experienced overcharging on simplygo due to system fault (not user fault) will understand the pain of having to check every single trip, wait for days for the app to confirm the charges, then submit claim and wait another few days to get the refund. I get the sense that those who're saying "it's not a big deal to submit claims" probably don't take bus/mrt often, or have yet to experience such issues.

the system is simply... retarded.

I’m saying that a lot of people are assuming they won’t be overcharged just because they can see the fare on the reader. Not everyone knows they’ve been overcharged just by looking at the fares on the reader especially if it’s not a route you take everyday.

If by system fault you mean the missing entry / exit, when it launched it is most certainly the system problem. But I believe they improved it as I have not encountered that in years. Those people still experiencing it probably unwittingly tailgated someone else or tapped in and out with different devices.

 

[sglandscape]

i've been overcharged using ez link before. i don't think it's a uniquely simplygo problem. those people blaming simplygo probably have never checked their fare history and just assumed the fares are correct cos it's shown on the reader?

Exactly this and it was such a pain to even check the history and file a dispute in the past. Once you notice something is amiss, you can't even check instantly and have to go to a GTM, take a picture, go to the transitlink office and file a dispute.

How is simplygo worse off in this aspect? Unless you do not have a phone or not comfortable with technology. Overcharging is not all that common, often due to a gap (bus usually that is the issue). Since early adopting it from the trial phase, I've filed under 10 claims and most of them were due to ms tapping in/out with different cards by my own mistake.

 

[sglandscape]

I’m saying that a lot of people are assuming they won’t be overcharged just because they can see the fare on the reader. Not everyone knows they’ve been overcharged just by looking at the fares on the reader especially if it’s not a route you take everyday.

If by system fault you mean the missing entry / exit, when it launched it is most certainly the system problem. But I believe they improved it as I have not encountered that in years. Those people still experiencing it probably unwittingly tailgated someone else or tapped in and out with different devices.

I personally feel it's easier to know if an exit/entrance is missed on SimplyGo and there are a number of mechanism that helps me

1) In app notification would show a higher amount if it's a transfer, otherwise it won't be caught here. But if you tap in and out and it was captured (and the bus had mobile connectivity), you should see the fare in the notification within minutes typically

2) I'm using VISA so a daily daily sweep occurs, if the billing is much higher than normal I know something is amiss. (the bank sends me alerts for each cc transaction, and it usually happens in the morning)

Otherwise I don't exactly go into the app each day to check it.

 

[hyperbole]

The app is especially helpful for transfers cos you can see exactly when you last tapped out.

 

[RedsYWNA]

Drivers is a seperate issue. Do you actually drive? With the new ERP system, most drivers would likely be happy they do not have to top up a card and use an account based system too.

From 1 June 2024, drivers cant use a single ezlink or netsflash card for MRT/carparks. How is that an improvement for drivers?

 

[reddevil0728]

From 1 June 2024, drivers cant use a single ezlink or netsflash card for MRT/carparks. How is that an improvement for drivers?

how often do drivers actually remove their card from the IU to take public transport?

 

[259850]

Any system that removes a product/service-specific stored value wallet/card from my list of payment options is progress in my book. I got rid of my EZ Link card the moment credit cards were accepted at the gantries and on buses.

The only advantage of an EZ Link card since SimplyGo was introduced was the ability to see fares instantaneously but is that worth the effort of paying a card deposit (that's non-refundable), topping up, etc.

That said, LTA has done a terrible job explaining SimplyGo from day one. I take the train from a station popular with tourists every morning, and there are no posters (in multiple languages) saying that you don't need to buy a ticket if you have a credit/debit card. Station staff have to explain it to tourists. And often, they are not clear about it. It seems like LTA still wants to sell tourists SimplyGo EZLink cards even though it is less economical to tourists unless they ride for more than 10 days ($5 non-refundable deposit vs $0.50 daily convenience fees for tapping with a foreign card).

Other cities where tapping with credit cards is ok like London and New York advertise this prominently. I was in Milan when they had just introduced credit card tapping on their metro. The banners in their stations advertised this modern convenience - "like in London and Singapore" they said. But here we are in Singapore, whining about EZ Link cards.

 

[259850]

how often do drivers actually remove their card from the IU to take public transport?

The only time my NETS FP card leaves the IU is when I have to tap it at the exit gantry at the rare carpark that can't deduct automatically.

 

[RedsYWNA]

how often do drivers actually remove their card from the IU to take public transport?

Depends if you are a weekday or weekend driver. But the point remains. Last time, drivers can use a single card for ERP/public transport, which also makes it easier to track your monthly transport expenses.

Now they have to either use 2 cards, or to be forced to use (a) simplygo for public transport and (b) netsflash/ezlink motoring card for private transport.

 

[reddevil0728]

Depends if you are a weekday or weekend driver. But the point remains. Last time, drivers can use a single card for ERP/public transport, which also makes it easier to track your monthly transport expenses.

Now they have to either use 2 cards, or to be forced to use (a) simplygo for public transport and (b) netsflash/ezlink motoring card for private transport.

So the angst is about the interim state?

cause it's almost inevitable it will default to the new approach.

 

[RedsYWNA]

So the angst is about the interim state?

cause it's almost inevitable it will default to the new approach.

I am sorry i am not aware. What is the new approach, and when is this going to take place?

 

[reddevil0728]

I am sorry i am not aware. What is the new approach, and when is this going to take place?

Basically currently the transition isn't 100%, i.e., for private transport is under the old system, and public transport is on new system.

Hence need to have 2 separate cards.

but had they transitioned 100% to the new system, where there will still be 1 card, it will not be an issue?