Land Transport Authority Handle concession and normal fares in one platform
I observed ten years ago that the Land Transport Authority publishes separate fare tables for normal and concession fares. As there are many concession fares for different categories of passengers, there are several fare tables.

At that time, I thought that a more sensible approach is to publish one fare table for the standard fare that is applicable for adults. Concession fares can be computed at a percentage discount from the standard fares. 

For example, the concession fares for seniors could be a discount of 25% and subject to a cap of $0.92.

Similarly, the concession fares for children and disabled people could be set at a discount from the standard fares, subject to a cap.

I thought, at that time, that the use of separate fare tables added only to the cost of printing the fare tables, as the platform could provide the appropriate algorithm to handle the calculations.

Later, I learned that the disadvantage extended beyond the printing costs.

I learned, to my horror, that the government is operating two separate platforms to handle the standard fare and the concession fare. 

It seemed that the general ticket machines (GTM) has to integrate with separate platforms to handle the standard and concession fares. The same complications apply to the Transit Link app and perhaps to the customer service counters and other places.

For example, I wanted to apply GIRO-link for my concession card. The GTM machine did not recognize it. I suspect that it cannot handle the concession cards. 

I approached the Transit Link staff for help. They could not help me. It appears that they are not aware that the GTM machine cannot link to the server for concession cards. 

They kept telling me that it was possible to apply the GIRO link at the GTM machines. I get the same advice from the back end staff who reply to my online query.

After much effort, I still cannot apply the GIRO-Link.

I can imagine the great effort that is required to implement many functions across two platforms running on different servers. 

If the people in charge had operated one platform for the standard and concession cards, the processes would be considerably simplified.

I understand that this double platform must have been operating for many years, perhaps more than a decade.

I hope that the Land Transport Authority will take the step to merge the two platforms and operate a single platform.

Tan Kin Lian 

 

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