I was torn between putting this up on the motor forum or here. I thought, well, why don't let you guys have a shot at it first.
Well, wasn't the ERP put in place to reduce congestion during peak hours? If so, will increasing the ERP rates a third year running cause a reduction in congestion to the roads?
ERP rates going up again for third time this year
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 October 2007 2045 hrs
SINGAPORE : Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates are going up again for the third time this year.
There will also be new gantries erected.
The highest amount will be charged at the Pan Island Expressway (PIE). The gantry affected is the one at the slip road into the Central Expressway (CTE).
From November 5, motorists will pay $3.50 from 7:30am to 8:00am. The amount charged goes up to $5.00 between 8:30am and 9:00am. This is a $1.50 increase in the 8:30am to 9:00am period since February this year.
The latest hike comes just days after the opening of the Kallang-Payar Lebar Expressway (KPE) Tunnel.
The KPE is expected to ease congestion on the CTE when it opens fully late next year.
ERP rates will also go up by 50 cents at six other gantries.
The CTE gantry north of Braddell Road will cost $2.50 between 7:30am and 8:00am.
Three CTE gantries south of Braddell Road will cost $4.00 between 8:30am and 9:00am.
Those travelling along Bendemeer Road will have to pay $1.50 from 8:30am to 9:00am, instead of the current $1.
Drivers on Thomson Road will also have to pay $1.50 between 8:30am and 9:00am.
New ERP gantries will also start operating on November 5.
There will be one on the north-bound CTE just before the PIE exit, and two along the east-bound ECP before the Rochor Road exit and Ophir Road slip road.
There is also another one on the south-bound Bukit Timah Expressway after the Dairy Farm exit before it joins the PIE. - CNA /ls