Here’s the baddy news: ERP, after having a SHN for three months, is coming back.
And here’s the goody news: just like its parent, it’s coming back in Phases, and in the first Phase, only two gantries will be turned on.
But then here’s the baddy news again: the two gantries are roads you probably pass by regularly. Here are the details:
And finally, a goody news: it’s still cheaper than what it used to be.
This is, of course, based on the traffic data. According to LTA, from end June to early July 2020, traffic speeds have remained optimal on all arterial roads and most expressways, except for some time periods on the Central Expressway (CTE). As more people travel to and from their workplaces, traffic volume has begun to build up again during weekday peak hours. This has resulted in localised congestion at specific locations along the CTE during the morning and evening peak periods.
This means traffic in other areas have been smooth so far, so if your husband says he’s stuck in a jam in PIE, he’s probably stuck in his thoughts instead.
LTA will continue to monitor traffic speeds and congestion levels closely. As earlier announced, LTA will adjust the frequency of ERP rate reviews depending on the ground situation. From the next review cycle onwards, ERP rate reviews will be conducted once every five weeks.
The outcome of the next ERP rate review will be announced in the fourth week of August 2020, and the appropriate ERP rates, if any, will take effect from 31 August 2020.
By now you should be thinking: Wait, they review so often one meh?
Yeah, because the world is different now
ERP is Actually Reviewed Every Three Months
While you’d like to think that ERPs are tools for Ah Gong to earn more revenue, they aren’t.
They’re meant to prevent congestion and since traffic conditions change regularly (e.g. fewer vehicles during school holidays), they’re reviewed every quarter.
However, since COVID-19 hit us, LTA has changed from a quarterly review to a monthly review, and now, to every five weeks.
This explains why we’d need another four weeks to know cinemas reopening has made Ah Hock and Michelle come out of the house regularly during peak hours, causing congestion in Orchard Road.
But hey; despite that, ERPs might finally be a thing of the past soon.
New Satellite-Based ERP System (By Right) Should Be Ready in 2020
By right, this year, we might already be using the new satellite-based ERP system and can finally say goodbye to our IU.
No, not this IU. The other IU that you hate having in your car.
Last year, it was announced that from 2020, new On-Board Units (OBUs) might replace our IUs, and we’d be charged for the distance travelled instead of passing by any ERP.
People cried and complained, hoping that something major would happen in 2020 that would derail this plan.
Well, their wishes came true, and since then, these people have never wished for anything else anymore.
In any case, you should be glad that ERP is coming back now, no?
You can read more about ERPs here.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
