ActiveSG users unhappy over switch to new booking platform, say it is confusing and more troublesome

SINGAPORE: Users of the ActiveSG platform for booking public sports facilities are unhappy about the switch to a new web-based system, with some people confused about not being able to use entry passes from the previous platform. 

This resulted in delays entering sports facilities as they had to buy new passes.

Others say payment has been a hassle without an e-wallet - a function that was available on the previous booking platform. 

Government-run ActiveSG sports facilities are located across Singapore, and users can book facilities such as badminton courts, or buy passes to enter pools and gyms.

The agency in charge, Sport Singapore (SportSG), introduced the new booking platform called MyActiveSG+ on Jun 15 this year to combat the use of bots and multiple accounts to book its sports facilities. SportSG began phasing out certain functions related to the older booking platform - a web and mobile booking application - before June. 

While users have encountered teething problems since the launch in June, more complaints surfaced after some people realised that from Thursday (Aug 15), they could not enter facilities with passes bought from the old platform.

Unlike its predecessor, MyActiveSG+ is web-based, meaning users no longer have to download an app. They will be required to sign up and log in with their Singpass to prevent people from holding multiple accounts or using bots for bookings. 

Between 2021 and March 2023, more than 200 ActiveSG accounts were suspended for suspected use of bots to book sports facilities. More than 600 bookings were cancelled due to "on-selling" - when a user sells their booked slot to another party. 

In July, the Auditor-General's Office (AGO) reported that 18 accounts belonging to dead members had