The failure of the govt in implementing the ERP system lies with
its lack of constant persuasive communication with the general
population on its virtues.
Background
info
Back in the 90s, facing an affluent middle class, MM Lee had to
use COE to curb traffic gridlock due to the rise of car ownership,
where even a receptionist drives to work.
It affected economic productivity as workers, managers, CEOs,
students were late for work and appointments on our limited
roads.
With a premium capped on buying cars using COEs, it became only
the rich could afford cars, when COE rosed to $90,000 a certificate
($750 upfront per month). A japanese make Toyota Corrolla cost
$150,000 to buy.
MM Lee is neither right or wrong to force such measures when
that issue of car ownership was placed on the pedestal of economic
survival for our society. He was only a product of his
authoritative times.
Present
PM Lee is also a product of his/our times. A time of more
educated, affluent and socially aware equal citizens who aspired
towards car ownership.
ERP is a fair system which he approved, of taxing road usuage
than for car ownership. You pay for what you use. What you don't
need to use, you don't need to pay.
Thus anyone who earns $2,000 a month can afford a new or cheaper
2nd hand car, with the lowered COE price of $9,000, with a monthly
loan of $700+ for a $61,000 Toyota Corrolla.
If you drive to work, it becomes necessary to pay the toll
charges, but then you would probably be able to write off such
charges as you would be making more economic profit with that
shortened time driving than taking public transport.
ERP charges are also tax deductibles for companies, which can be
offset when paying company tax.
At least, there is no longer a hefty upfront of $90,000 COE
charges to pay per car, making cars affordable to all.
At nights and weekends, if all 1.9 million working citizen
population were to buy a car each, there will be heavy traffic and
perhaps even gridlock, but then, there will be no lateness for work
or appointments as majority of offices and vital economic
activities would had been wounded down.
For that comfort and small time in jams affecting not the
economy, only our time, it is worth it than to be jam packed in
public transport sniffing up armpits.
Suggestions
1. Support PM Lee on the ERP system and plead for better
improved public transportation for non-car owners using ERP
taxes.
2. Capped COEs below $10,000
3. Educated and enlightened car owners to plan their routes more
efficiently, even on weekends
4. Govt to revamp and improve their grassroots leadership
systems to disseminate public policies more efficiently and
effectively.
The Golden Age under PM Lee is within our hands. The choice is
yours, to live in this golden age or be a cynic and never know or
believe a golden age is possible.