Travel Smart Rewards: The Commuter’s Guide to Maximizing Daily Rewards (2025 Edition)

Daily commutes in Singapore are now more rewarding than ever, thanks to the enhanced Travel Smart Journeys (TSJ) program, lucrative credit card perks, and innovative platforms like HeyMax. Here’s an updated, fact-checked guide as of May 30, 2025, to help you maximize every trip—whether you’re a North-East Line regular or a bus-hopping professional.

‍

Understanding Travel Smart Journeys (TSJ) and Travel Smart Rewards

What is TSJ?

Travel Smart Journeys (TSJ) is a Land Transport Authority (LTA) initiative that incentivizes commuters—especially those in the north-east—to shift travel times or use less crowded bus routes. The latest TSJ scheme, relaunched on January 2, 2025, offers substantial fare rebates and more alternative travel options.

How TSJ Works

• Re-mode:
  Switch from the North-East Line (NEL) train to eligible express bus services (e.g., 43e, City Direct 654, 660, 666, 671, 672) during morning peak hours. Earn reward points worth up to 80% of your journey fare.
• Re-time:
  Shift your travel to before 7:15am (pre-peak) or between 8:45am and 9:45am (post-peak) at eligible NEL or LRT stations. Earn up to 80% of your fare back as reward points, depending on the time slot.
• Redemption:
  Points are redeemable in blocks of 500 (worth $5), credited as cash value to your travel card via the SimplyGo app.

Eligible NEL and LRT Stations

To participate in TSJ, your journey must start (tap in) at one of the following stations:

• NEL MRT Stations:
  • Punggol Coast
  • Punggol
  • Sengkang
  • Buangkok
  • Hougang
• LRT Stations:
  • Any station along the Punggol LRT line
  • Any station along the Sengkang LRT line

Eligibility Notes:

• For re-timed journeys, you can tap out at any MRT or LRT station except those on the Punggol and Sengkang LRT lines.
• To register, you must have tapped in at these stations on at least six weekdays (excluding public holidays) in the past 30 days.

Eligibility and Registration

• Register via the SimplyGo app and nominate your main travel card.
• You must have tapped in at eligible stations (see above) between 7:15am and 8:45am on at least six weekdays in the past 30 days.
• Points are non-transferable and expire after six months if not redeemed.

‍

Maximize Rewards on Your Daily Commute

1. Use the Right Credit Card for Public Transport

Linking your credit card to SimplyGo lets you earn cashback, miles, or points on every ride. Top cards for public transport in 2025 include:

‍Tips:

• Use the card with the highest earn rate for your commute.
• Some cards require a minimum monthly spend for maximum rewards.
• Combine card rewards with TSJ points for double-dipping benefits.

‍

2. HeyMax: Turning Every Ride into Travel Miles

HeyMax is a lifestyle rewards platform that lets you earn “Max Miles” for daily bus and MRT rides when you link your Visa card. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or transferred to over 25 airline and hotel partners.

Recent HeyMax Campaigns (Ended)

• How to Participate:
  Link your Visa card in the HeyMax app, tap your card at the gantry for bus/MRT rides, and track/redeem your Max Miles in the app.
• Why Use HeyMax?
  • Earn Max Miles on top of your credit card rewards.
  • Max Miles never expire and can be redeemed flexibly.
  • Frequent campaigns and prize draws for extra value.

Comparing Travel Smart Rewards Programs

‍

Practical Tips for Commuters and Travelers

• Enroll in all available programs: Register for TSJ, use a rewards credit card, and link your Visa to HeyMax for maximum stacking.
• Monitor expiry dates: TSJ points expire after six months; credit card points and Max Miles have different policies (Max Miles never expire).
• Optimize your commute: Shift to off-peak periods or switch to eligible express buses for the highest TSJ rebates.
• Stack your rewards: Combine TSJ, credit card, and HeyMax rewards for maximum value.
• Redeem smartly: Use points for travel credits, flights, or cashback—choose the best value for your needs.

‍

Conclusion

Singapore’s daily commuters can now earn significant rewards simply by traveling smart. The enhanced TSJ program, strategic use of credit cards, and innovative platforms like HeyMax make it possible to turn every bus or MRT ride into savings, cashback, or travel miles. By stacking these programs and staying alert to new campaigns, you can make every journey work harder for you—whether you’re heading to work or planning your next adventure.

All information is accurate and up to date as of May, 2025.