Singapore cellcos launching NFC transit SIMs

Singapore's mobile operators are all launching NFC transit SIMs to allow subscribers to pay for public transport rides using their mobile phones.

Through collaborations with EZ-Link, the NFC transit SIMs will allow payment for bus and train rides across the city state.

M1 launched its NFC transit SIM cards yesterday, while StarHub plans to roll its out starting on Saturday and Singtel has revealed it will start selling NFC transit SIMs in late April.

M1 is allowing customers to swap their SIMs for an NFC transit SIM for S$37.45, while StarHub will charge S37.45 for a new SIM or $26.75 for a SIM replacement. Singtel just noted it will offer the cards at “prevailing SIM rates.”

All three operators have also decided to temporarily waive activation fees as a promotional exercise.

The NFC transit SIM is compatible with payment acceptance points from EZ-Link to support shopping, retail, food and beverage and taxi payment.

M1 has also integrated it with the M1 PrePaid MasterCard payment service, while Singtel noted that the ability to pay for transit rides will complement the company's Dash app, which allows for customers to pay for taxis using their smartphone.

“Transit is the ‘killer phone app’ Singapore consumers have been looking forward to, and we are pleased to be the first to offer customers the convenience of making payment with the one device that is always with them, their phone,” M1 chief marketing officer P. Subramaniam commented.