Graded Article 5: Are ERP hikes the only way?
Well, it's time to update this blog again. This time, I shall be commenting on the issues brought up by this letter from James Teo.
Link: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/207675.asp
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Well, the ERP is probably one of Singapore's most defining trait in the fields of transport. Singaporeans and PRs alike hated this Pricing system designed to reduce traffic congestion. However, many have observed that the ERP actually caused more problems over the years, instead of reducing the already serious congestion. Many self-conscious drivers wake up early in the morning to beat the ERP system, so the traffic jam is actually just pushed forward. In fact, the jam became worse after the ERP system kicked in, as many Singaporeans try to beat the system before the Pricing starts, thus the many cars on the road in the morning. The ERP also makes the roads redundant in the afternoon, as many drivers try to avoid passing through the gantry when the Pricing is on.
In this letter, Mr Teo addresses the problem of the new ERP charges, and hints indirectly to the government that ERP is not the solution to Singapore's traffic congestion. In fact, it is one of the roots of the problem. This article is straight to the point, but addresses many problems that the drivers face at this present age. And I do agree with the writer that the ERP is not a way to solve traffic problems, and that it is time to source for new solutions.
Firstly, ERP is indeed a bane to the traffic condition. Not many people would want to pay additional taxes for going through the ERP while it is working, so the ERP is practically useless in reducing the traffic. Many Singaporeans actually sees it as a restriction to where they can go, or which route they can take for the fastest way into town. In fact, ERP is avoided by the kiasu Singaporean, as no one would want to pay more for shaving five minutes off their bus/car trip.
The ERP also encourages speeding and cramming, as Singaporeans try to rush through the gantries before the ERP starts. This is especially dangerous for the traffic, as many cars would be traveling at a very high speed (or rather, try to). An increase in the amount of cars hitting the road at the time may mean more car accidents, especially if the drivers are willing to speed to beat the system.
So what? It may even be better for Singapore to remove the ERP entirely, as it is basically a hindrance in the traffic system. In fact, the early morning jams are caused by the huge amount of cars trying to get into the city before seven. Taxes are not going to work for Singaporeans who refuse to pay more for convenience. I do not think that many Singaporeans will be receptive to the idea of a harsher driving test, but Mr. Teo’s idea of ‘stacking’ the highways may work. After all, Singaporeans are trying to move higher up, right? An increase in the number of roads will also mean more flexibility for the drivers.
Link: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/207675.asp
****
Well, the ERP is probably one of Singapore's most defining trait in the fields of transport. Singaporeans and PRs alike hated this Pricing system designed to reduce traffic congestion. However, many have observed that the ERP actually caused more problems over the years, instead of reducing the already serious congestion. Many self-conscious drivers wake up early in the morning to beat the ERP system, so the traffic jam is actually just pushed forward. In fact, the jam became worse after the ERP system kicked in, as many Singaporeans try to beat the system before the Pricing starts, thus the many cars on the road in the morning. The ERP also makes the roads redundant in the afternoon, as many drivers try to avoid passing through the gantry when the Pricing is on.
In this letter, Mr Teo addresses the problem of the new ERP charges, and hints indirectly to the government that ERP is not the solution to Singapore's traffic congestion. In fact, it is one of the roots of the problem. This article is straight to the point, but addresses many problems that the drivers face at this present age. And I do agree with the writer that the ERP is not a way to solve traffic problems, and that it is time to source for new solutions.
Firstly, ERP is indeed a bane to the traffic condition. Not many people would want to pay additional taxes for going through the ERP while it is working, so the ERP is practically useless in reducing the traffic. Many Singaporeans actually sees it as a restriction to where they can go, or which route they can take for the fastest way into town. In fact, ERP is avoided by the kiasu Singaporean, as no one would want to pay more for shaving five minutes off their bus/car trip.
The ERP also encourages speeding and cramming, as Singaporeans try to rush through the gantries before the ERP starts. This is especially dangerous for the traffic, as many cars would be traveling at a very high speed (or rather, try to). An increase in the amount of cars hitting the road at the time may mean more car accidents, especially if the drivers are willing to speed to beat the system.
So what? It may even be better for Singapore to remove the ERP entirely, as it is basically a hindrance in the traffic system. In fact, the early morning jams are caused by the huge amount of cars trying to get into the city before seven. Taxes are not going to work for Singaporeans who refuse to pay more for convenience. I do not think that many Singaporeans will be receptive to the idea of a harsher driving test, but Mr. Teo’s idea of ‘stacking’ the highways may work. After all, Singaporeans are trying to move higher up, right? An increase in the number of roads will also mean more flexibility for the drivers.
posted by Wee Ping at
6:21 AM
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