Concerns about device reliability, digital security, and familiarity drive commuters to stick with traditional payment methods.
SINGAPORE: A recent report revealed that 43% of Singaporeans opt for cash instead of e-wallets or mobile apps for public transport payments. This finding has sparked discussions on social media, with many commuters sharing their reasons for choosing traditional payment methods.
Conducted in February 2024, the “Clicks and Shifts: Yahoo Singapore Digital Study” surveyed 1,500 participants. The study, led by Milieu Insight and commissioned by Yahoo Singapore, uncovered that 43% of respondents do not use digital payment options for commuting.
Interestingly, this preference persists despite the assumption that digital payment systems offer greater convenience. The survey also highlighted a correlation between household income and the likelihood of adopting mobile payment methods.
For households earning over S$6,000 per month, 59% reported using digital payments for public transport. The adoption rate increased to 70% among households with monthly incomes above S$12,000. Conversely, for households earning S$3,000 or less, only 40% used digital payment systems, while 82% from this group preferred physical cards or tokens.
Singaporeans Share Their Perspectives
Online discussions shed light on the factors influencing commuters’ choices. Some users highlighted the limitations of mobile devices, such as battery life and signal issues.
“I’m an e-wallet user,” one commuter shared. “But I worry about my phone battery lasting until the end of my trip. Physical cards are a reliable backup.”
Another pointed out the challenges faced by senior citizens in adopting technology. “Seniors often fear scams and feel overwhelmed by AI advancements,” they explained. “As a senior myself, I’ve been using computers since early models, but I still prefer cash for its simplicity and safety.”
Others drew comparisons to digital payment systems in other countries. “Singapore’s digital payment ecosystem feels complicated, with too many options,” one user noted. “In China, systems like Alipay and WeChat are streamlined and user-friendly, even for seniors. I didn’t use cash at all during my trip there.”
A simpler sentiment resonated with many: “I trust physical cards, pen, paper, and cash. It’s old-school but offers peace of mind.”
