Channelnewsasia reported Minister Raymond Lim saying that even
more ERP gantries will be introduced to roads here (i.e. motorists
have to pay to use them). Explaining the changes, the Minister said
if road usage is not priced, roads will be over-used, resulting in
widespread congestion. While there is no silver bullet solution, Mr
Lim said ERP is the only one that directly deals with the
congestion problem.
The govts recent polices of allowing cars to become cheaper and
granting more COEs, and the reduction in road tax, have all put a
squeeze on Spores limited roads (see a short discussion here
http://blueheeler.wordpress.com/2007/02/09/vroom-brake-vroom-brake-vroom-brake/).
So much so that the ERP is now not limited only to roads going into
the city at peak hours, but also charges will be introduced to
roads leading OUT OF THE CITY during peak hours? Frankly, when I
driving home from the city in the evening, its a bit congested but
I dont mind taking a bit more time to get home (rather than having
to pay ERP to get home 10mins faster). What am I rushing home to?
Feed the dog??? I understand the importance of ERP during morning
peak hours (so that 'work' can be done efficiently) but what's the
logic of ERP on expressways in the evenings? So that we can get
home more efficiently??????
Now the Minsiter says that if ERP is not increased, roads will get
congested? Its like a doctor saying that hes got to smack you 1st
so that he can treat your bruise
He says that theres no silver bullet? There is. Make
cars/tax/petrol more expensive (unlike now, when operating a car
seems to be getting cheaper every year), and public transport
cheaper. Simple, really.
