Updated 22 Jan 2024.
Dear fellow residents and citizens of Singapore,

We, the undersigned, urgently present this petition to highlight concerns about the transition to the SimplyGo platform for public transport fare payments. We call for your attention to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of this new system.

We refer to a letter by Shawn Lee Chieh Loong, expressing concerns about potential inconveniences for tourists and the elderly.

https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/letter-of-the-week-address-issues-encountered-with-transition-to-simplygo

Why it's Simply NoGo: 

Lack of Immediate Fare and Balance Display:

• Commuters can't see fare deductions without using a phone app. This is a huge blow for transparency and accountability. 
• Reducing transparency is ethically wrong, especially when coupled with enforcing an inferior system on everyone.
• Our money represents our property, and we deserve complete transparency the moment we use it – not retroactively.
• It's akin to knowing the price instantly when making a purchase; the cost is always explicitly displayed at the point of sale. We shouldn't have to sift through our credit card app later to discover the price!
• If we accept such a blatant infringement on our fundamental right to transparently monitor our finances, then LTA is essentially denying our rights to monitor our property, in this case, it's our money. 

Is this even legal? 

2. Dependency on Internet Connection:

• SimplyGo requires an internet connection, posing issues during outages or for those without internet access.
• This disproportionately affects our senior citizens.

3. Overreliance on a Single System:

• In recent months, we have had problems with DBS app and other banking apps. If we only rely on a single app/system, it is putting all our eggs in one basket.
• Our public transport system caters to millions of commuters everyday. It is actually not wise and a step back to rely on a single system.
• Ironically after the announcement was made, "The SimplyGo app became less responsive and users were unable to use some of its features. What happens if we only have SimplyGo?
  
  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/simplygo-app-overwhelmed-by-downloads-after-announcement-on-phase-out-of-older-cards

4. Tracking and Surveillance in Public Transportation

In the older EZ Link card system, our movements weren't tracked by a "Big Brother" since we had the option to pay with cash, and the cards weren't linked to our identities.

However, with the current Simply Go system, as it's linked to our bank accounts and identities, our every movement is subject to tracking by "Big Brother."

This raises concerns about potential threats to our civil liberties and infringement on personal privacy. Individuals must have the choice in deciding how much information they willingly share.

A good public system should always ensure a balance between convenience and privacy rights.

What we hope LTA can do:

1. Delay the transition until transparency and technical concerns are addressed.
2. Conduct a thorough review of SimplyGo to ensure transparency and address technical glitches.
3. Communicate progress transparently and consider extending the transition timeline.
4. Allow both EZ-Link and SimplyGo to coexist.
5. We demand a comprehensive resolution of these concerns before any mandatory shift. 

What Commuters Can Do:

1. Don't Rush.
   Do Not Convert to SimplyGo Immediately until the LTA can provide accountability for the transparency of fares.
2. Sign and Share This Petition. Send emails to LTA requesting that SimplyGo must instantly display Trip Fare + Remaining Value on your card.
3. Consider Reverting to the Old EZ-Link System: If unsatisfied with the current system, consider reverting to the old EZ-Link system.
4. Explore Alternative Transportation: In extreme measures, consider walking, cycling, driving, or exploring alternative modes of transportation if strong-armed into accepting a system that compromises accountability.

We firmly believe that by safeguarding transparency and accountability in public transport, we contribute to the continued success and reputation of Singapore as a global financial hub.

By addressing these concerns and implementing SimplyGo only when key issues are resolved, LTA will demonstrate a commitment to responsible governance, avoiding the appearance of strong-arming citizens into systems that may compromise financial integrity and freedom of movement. These rights cannot be dependent upon having an internet connection or agreeing to use apps that infringe on our personal property rights, as enshrined in our constitution.

As such, we the undersigned do not consent to SimplyGo as the only platform come June 2024 for our essential transportation needs. We look forward to a favourable response from LTA. 

Please share and sign this petition. 

Sincerely,

Iris Koh

Please note: This petition is a result of views and concerns shared in our telegram platform with over 4000 users. They are not solely my personal views. 

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t.me/healingthedivide

Why are We Advocating for This?

Because transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a well-governed society and serve as safeguards against corruption. Healing the Divide is committed to providing truthful information to the public, and achieving this necessitates transparency and accountability in our public services, press and public communications. 

We raise these concerns out of a genuine desire for a better Singapore, free from Agenda-Driven Motives by Foreign Entities (e.g., from the World Economic Forum, WHO, UN etc). We also do not want a foreseeable future where only those who are "vaccinated" are allowed to take public transport. This is possible if cash payments are removed from our transportation services (nearly done) and digital apps are linked to our "vaccination" status that are linked to transportation services (Nearly there). We are strongly against this single platform. 

We are also staunchly against any practices that resemble communism ("owning nothing and being happy" WEF slogan) We are dedicated patriots, speaking up, hungry for a better Singapore.
 
Having said that, you don't have to believe 100% what we believe in to sign and support this petition. You only have to care about having transparency and accountability in our public transport.