This year's SMRT annual commuter rewards campaign looks set to be a big one with bumper prizes - $20,000 worth, to be exact.

One lucky person will win 3 years of free rides for four people on SMRT's trains and buses, plus $1,000 SMRT vouchers for taxi rides and shopping. Over 140 winners would be picked to win attractive prizes over seven monthly draws starting from Dec '09. Prizes include 6 months of free travel for two and SMRT vouchers.

Between Oct 16, 2009 - May 15, 2010, members of the public who take SMRT trains, Bukit Panjang LRT and, SMRT buses and taxis, are eligible for the promotion. Passengers get one shot at the draw for every ride taken on SMRT transport but the CEPAS-compliant card is registered, the passenger can getup to 10 chances.

The rewards campaign is an initiative to encourage more people to switch to public transport.

SMRT's director of transport planning Mr Chew Hooi Lian explains: "All it takes to qualify for 'Ride Free with SMRT' is to travel with SMRT or patronise shops in the SMRT network.

"SMRT customers could win for themselves free travel and vouchers that can be used for taxi rides, shopping and dining at SMRT's retail outlets."

According to Mr Chew, SMRT had polled its customers and discovered that they would like to be rewarded with free public transport.

More details can be obtained at www.ridefreewithsmrt.com