SINGAPORE – Morning commutes in northeast Singapore are becoming noticeably less packed after a government pilot program offering free off-peak train rides succeeded in shifting thousands of passengers away from the busiest travel hours. According to a report by CNA, the initiative reduced peak-hour congestion by 9 percent within just a few months of implementation.
The scheme, launched in December 2025 as a one-year trial, allows commuters traveling from selected stations in Singapore’s northeast region to ride trains for free during specific off-peak periods. Passengers who begin their journeys before 7:30 a.m. or between 9:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. on weekdays are eligible for the fare waiver. The offer applies to six stations along the North East Line, stretching from Punggol Coast to Kovan, as well as stations on the Sengkang-Punggol Light Rail Transit network.
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Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow described the results as encouraging during a community visit in Sengkang. “We have been able to shift 9 per cent of commuters off the peak hour, which means that it’s a win-win situation for the northeast commuters,” he said. He added, “Those who are able to travel off peak get to travel for free. Those who are not able to do so, actually they still get a less crowded ride now.”
The initiative was designed to ease pressure on Singapore’s heavily used North East Line, which has seen increasing passenger loads due to population growth and the return of more employees to offices after the pandemic. Authorities previously introduced a similar free-travel program in 2013, and officials hoped this newer version would produce comparable results. Early data suggests it may have exceeded expectations.
Speaking about broader transport concerns linked to rising global fuel prices and tensions in the Middle East, Mr Siow noted that public transport fares in Singapore have remained unchanged so far. “We are, of course, continuing to watch the situation very carefully. If the situation deteriorates, we will see how we can do more,” he told reporters.
