CEPAS Reflection

After listening to the consultant’s presentation on the CEPAS initiative, to create an open environment that one card can be used across all systems, would do wonders for our society. Here in Singapore, we have a growing population and handling cash is becoming more expensive. Our society has shifted towards using contactless and contact cards for transportation and entertainment purposes, but many face the inconvenience of carrying multiple cards for different needs. As of now, the two cards do not work together, but by being able to merge the two interoperable systems, we will be able to greatly improve the flow of our people and also has the potential to increase our GDP. Not only will transportation see an increase we will also see an increase in traffic with banks and retailers as society move towards a cashless society.  While this may be a large undertaking for society, its future payoffs will be necessary for us to continue our innovation.   Both NETS and LTA will be able to distribute the CEPAS Smart Cards in various places so that users are able to use the one smart card. While, not all systems are currently using or cable of using this platform, we anticipate all users will be smart card enabled in the near future so that we can truly become a cashless country.