MORE than 40,000 ez-link cards were replaced yesterday, on the first day commuters could exchange their public transit passes for a new, flashier card.

In some of the more popular spots like Ang Mo Kio, Bedok and Chinatown, about 50 people were waiting in line to turn in their cards. Most of the commuters lining up were retirees, housewives or people on their day off who said they were "quite happy" to wait in line for 20 minutes or more.

The new ez-link pass allows commuters to pay not only their bus and train fares, but also, eventually, Electronic Road Pricing tolls and parking charges.

Commuters have until Sept 30 to replace their old cards. After that, the cards will no longer work.

Adult ez-link cards can be exchanged at TransitLink offices, post offices and selected bus interchanges.

Those with concession cards will receive their new passes from their respective institutions or in the mail if they are senior citizens.

MARIA ALMENOAR