As a token of appreciation towards their valuable contribution, all past and present national servicemen will get free travel on public buses and trains on June 30, announced Singapore's four public transport operators.
In a joint press release, four public transport operators of Singapore including SMRT, SBS Transit, Go-Ahead Singapore and Tower Transit, said, “The move is part of the transport companies' commemorative efforts to mark 50 years of National Service.”
The free travel day will be effective from the start of the public bus and train service on June 30 to the last bus and train service (including Nite Owl and NightRider).
To be eligible for free travel, national servicemen are required to wear their uniforms for "verification purposes" by bus captains or MRT station staff:
– SAF national servicemen: No. 3 or No. 4 service uniforms.
– SPF and SCDF national servicemen: duty uniforms.
Desmond Kuek, SMRT president and group CEO, “As we celebrate NS50, free travel on Jun 30 will provide a boost to NS50 activities held across Singapore.”
Managing director of Go-Ahead Singapore, David Cutt, said, “We express our appreciation towards both past and present national servicemen for their invaluable contributions to the country and nation-building.”
Appreciating the step, NS50 executive committee said, “Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are heartened by the transport companies' initiative to recognise the contributions of Singapore's national servicemen.”
Also read: Campaign to salute National Servicemen to mark NS50
It added that as SAF Day falls on a Saturday this year, activities to commemorate the day, such as the Combined Rededication Ceremonies, will be held on June 30 instead.
The committee said, “MINDEF and MHA encourage our national servicemen to wear their uniforms on June 30 as a show of support for NS and to enjoy NS50 promotions and discounts from supporting organisations and retailers, including the NS50 Free Travel Day.”