SINGAPORE - Following a review of the Electronic Road Pricing
(ERP) scheme on Saturdays for the Orchard and Bugis-Marina Centre
ERP cordons, the Land Transport Authority has decided to implement
shorter ERP operating hours for Orchard cordon, and lower rates for
Bugis-Marina Centre cordon.
From June 2, the ERP operating hours for the Orchard Cordon will
start at 12.30pm instead of 11am. The LTA will also reduce the ERP
rates for Bugis-Marina Cordon from S$2 to S$1 between 12.30pm and
2pm, and between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
The LTA said that based on its assessment of the existing
traffic conditions in the two ERP cordons, ERP is still required on
Saturdays to manage traffic congestion in the two cordons.
However, its noted that trips bound for the two cordons on weekends
are largely for shopping or leisure, and there was scope to
fine-tune the ERP operating hours and charges "to give greater
choice to motorists".
"For instance, some motorists may be prepared to accept slightly
greater congestion without having to pay ERP charges, while others
are prepared to pay for a better travelling experience," the LTA
said in a statement issued today.
-- TODAY