http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/
The COE for all categories of cars have breached $20K[Link] - car dealers accurately predicted this in Sep 2009 when the govt cut the number of COEs by 16%[Link].
Yes, what to do? More people want cars and Singapore has only so many
roads so we have to ration car ownership and control the use of cars.
The COE is a unique solution and the ERP is fairly unique - some
countries collect toll for the use of highways but the ERP is a finer
grained solution controling the use of stretches of roads that are
congested. If the COE system is necessary - we were told that we will
have crippling traffic jams without the COE, why haven't cities without
COE fallen apart? Why are we the only ones with COE?..I'll answer this
later.
In many countries, having a family car is very common if
not a necessity but in Singapore it is considered a luxury and owning
one is dream for many working class families. Because the number of
COEs is fixed every year depending on the number of cars deregistered
and allowing for a small limited growth, it is build into the system
that many, if not most, families will never own a car. By importing
more people who also compete for the limited number of COEs, even fewer
Singaporeans can realise this dream.
The COE is allocated based
on a bidding system i.e. it is allocated based on ability to pay rather
than a person's needs. A family with 3 children has no priority over
the teenage son of a tycoon - it is all decided based on who can spend
more money. Now superimpose this COE system on a society with the
highest level of income inequality in the developed world...hmmm what
do you get? Then you supplement this with a 'for profit' public
transport system which has shareholders to answer to. What you get is a
transport system that people are constantly unsatisfied with. Cars are
not going to the people who need it - families with children or
individuals with disability but to people with money ...and a public
transport system that has to tradeoff between service quality and
profits for shareholders. Caught is this system is the working class
father who has to carry his baby's stroller up a sardine packed bus and
the mother who has to carry the baby and perhaps control a toddler who
can't get a seat because the bus is packed and the tired Singaporean on
the priority seat has closed his eyes and pretended to doze off.
Today
as I was getting onto the MRT, I noticed that they have hired a woman
wearing gloves at the platform. What are the gloves for? This woman
will instruct the people on crowded trains to 'move to the center'. If
they are too deaf or too stubborn, she will start using her hands to
move them- that is why she needs the gloves. Why can't a supposedly
world class govt run a public transport to maximise comfort for
commuters without hiving it off to profit-seeking shareholders who want
passengers to be packed like cattle so they can maximise their profits?
Now
for the great mystery - why do we need the COE system when no other
city's transport system has collapsed without implementing it? Why
doesn't Seoul of pop. density double that of Singapore need to have
COE? What about Tokyo....why hasn't it collapsed from a traffic
gridlock without COE? What about Taipei which has a population density
1.5 times that of Singapore? We ended up with this unique COE system
that brought in more revenue for the PAP govt from car ownership than
any other govt in the world and we also have the one of the most
profitable, if not the most profitable public transport system per
capita (aka SMRT) in the world....actually the public transport system
in most countries lose money. So what is the explanation for this great
mystery?
The demand for cars depends a lot on the quality of
service of the public transport system. If you take 2 hours driving to
work, you will switch to the MRT if it gets you there in 1 hour. This
is why most Tokyo residents leave their cars at home and take the
subway - 1 in 2 households in Tokyo own cars[Link]
but less than 10% use it to get to work. Most govt curb the growth of
the car population and usage by investing heavily in public transport
to make the network extensive and rides comfortable to lower the demand
for cars[Link].
The Taipei subway for example arrives at less than 1 minute intervals
during peak hours. In Seoul, the public transport network in up and
running before people start moving into new residential areas to
encourage them to use the public transport instead of buying cars.
By
implementing its unique COE + ERP system, the PAP has been able to
create a new source of revenue. At the same time, there is less
pressure to improve the public transport rapidly now that the govt is
able to control the absolute number of cars - the shares in public
transport company have been sold to profit seeking shareholders and the
public transport company now has to generate profit to distribute as
dividends to these shareholders .No other city even those with far
higher population density has needed to curb car population using a
vehicle quota system....and no other govt in the world has been able to
collect more revenue from car ownership than the PAP.
Actually I am also find it quite interesting how they never promote any other kind of alternative transport EXCEPT public transport.
Do you see them building up infrastructures for bicycles? Which are becoming more and more popular nowadays? If anything the roads are too unsafe for cyclists, and it's illegal to cycle on the footpath.
I went to China and was surprised by their promotion of alternative transport. A family may not have a car but they can have an 300SGD electric scooter that serves as rather viable transport getting around the city. Somehow for us it's just the bus, or train... or be prepared to pay through your nose for a car. Nothing else.
think can buy 3 cars in oz...one good car and other 2 as back up cars with coe money
what u can do with $20k:
1)Take a flight to las vegas and spend 1 week there. ($1700)
2)Stopover at Tokyo and have tuna, deep sea cold crabs and live lobster sashimi($$1500)
3)go shopping at thailand and eat BBQ blue river prawns($500)
4)Come back and buy latest LCD tv($700)
5)Pay for entire years internet and pub bills($1000)
6)buy all the games on Ebay for ps2 games($500)
7)buy flower for gal frend($20)
8)Bribe job agent for the best jobs in spore($5000)
9)setup own company overseas with business number($400)
still got about $14,000 to spend.......
U guys are weird. When I work in Korea most ppl can't afford a car too and nobody whines better like Singaporeans.
My colleague stays near airport and takes 2 hrs public transport to work everyday in Korea and he is thankful he has a job and never whines even when we OT till 10pm etc
Of course Korea is a mono-culture country that's why they can't blame foreigners or anybody else. Even Indian's if they want to work in Korea needs to integrate in.
Yet in this forum, everyone seems to think CAR is a god given basic need.
Nope ~ I am sorry in Singapore such a small country ~ car is a luxury so only got money can have it and that's a fact sad to say. So stop whining and start go start making money.
If you don't like to stay in Singapore feel free to leave if u are capable enough.
No need to whine or complain.
If FT can come over in search for a better life we can too go somewhere and do the same if we are not happy with this country.
Originally posted by laurence82 father:what u can do with $20k:
1)Take a flight to las vegas and spend 1 week there. ($1700)
2)Stopover at Tokyo and have tuna, deep sea cold crabs and live lobster sashimi($$1500)
3)go shopping at thailand and eat BBQ blue river prawns($500)
4)Come back and buy latest LCD tv($700)
5)Pay for entire years internet and pub bills($1000)
6)buy all the games on Ebay for ps2 games($500)
7)buy flower for gal frend($20)
8)Bribe job agent for the best jobs in spore($5000)
9)setup own company overseas with business number($400)
still got about $14,000 to spend.......
laurance's papa, if everyone think and be so calculative like you, Singapore bankrupt liao.
In the first place, Cars are mend for the rich and elites, if you cannot afford it, dun said it is expensive, just take our good public transport and be happy that you are still living in Singapore.
Originally posted by Darkseed73:U guys are weird. When I work in Korea most ppl can't afford a car too and nobody whines better like Singaporeans.
My colleague stays near airport and takes 2 hrs public transport to work everyday in Korea and he is thankful he has a job and never whines even when we OT till 10pm etc
Of course Korea is a mono-culture country that's why they can't blame foreigners or anybody else. Even Indian's if they want to work in Korea needs to integrate in.
Yet in this forum, everyone seems to think CAR is a god given basic need.
Nope ~ I am sorry in Singapore such a small country ~ car is a luxury so only got money can have it and that's a fact sad to say. So stop whining and start go start making money.
If you don't like to stay in Singapore feel free to leave if u are capable enough.
No need to whine or complain.
If FT can come over in search for a better life we can too go somewhere and do the same if we are not happy with this country.
I think the point the article was trying to drive is not why cars are becoming more expensive. You read with a "Singaporeans are whiners" attitude without finishing the article
Cars are expensive to own and maintain in any of the asian tiger economy. The point was to call bluff on the often repeated phrase of " world class transportation system" and the necessity of COE system. Those who travel around region know " world class transportation system" is nothing but a feel good propaganda phrase. Can we boast to have a better transportation system than any of the developed asian cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei or Seoul?
pinch angel70 schholgal arm!
hey aNGEL70...EVEN THE JAPANESE AND AMERICANS SAY COE ALSO TOO MUCH!
DARKSEED,
NO U CANT SIMPLY GO OFF INTO ANOTHER CUNTRY TO FIND ANOTHER JOB.ITS NOT THAT EASY.SPORE IS EASY BECAUSE IT WANTS TO BE CHEEP CHHEEP CHEEP.....U GO ONTO INTERNET N TELL ME WHICH COUNTRY GIVES IMMIGRATION???NONE!!UNLESS ITS IN CAMBODIA!
Laurence's ah pa, from here, we can really appreciate and understand the Govt implementation of Gst is to help the poor.
Unless you are rich, you go buy cars and properties, then the Govt charge Gst, a car that cost 200k with COE will incur a Gst of 14k, a house cost 1 milllion will incur a Gst of 70k, altogether will be 84k, more than a typical lower singaporean annual income,...for the poor, you dun go buy these and that for the sake of losing out in status, you can live in 3 rooms, take public transports or walk..and yet you get lots of reliefs for 3 rooms and also can apply for bursaries, transport vouchers, U stretch voucher, etc etc...all from the contribution of the RICH.
Our taxation system is build in a way to tax the rich, not like other countries that tax all or some even worst, only tax the poor.
Originally posted by laurence82 father:DARKSEED,
NO U CANT SIMPLY GO OFF INTO ANOTHER CUNTRY TO FIND ANOTHER JOB.ITS NOT THAT EASY.SPORE IS EASY BECAUSE IT WANTS TO BE CHEEP CHHEEP CHEEP.....U GO ONTO INTERNET N TELL ME WHICH COUNTRY GIVES IMMIGRATION???NONE!!UNLESS ITS IN CAMBODIA!
Dear Laurence,
Why not? Did you know 5 years ago hair stylist was very wanted in aussie? USA is employing nurse from all over the world? WHY NOT?
Maybe u don't have the skills and refuse to even try? If FT can leave their kids and wife @ home and come Singapore to look for work WHY NOT YOU??
Few years ago I couldn't find job in Singapore so I went to find job overseas. I was working in Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, India all for projects but I never thought of giving up my Singaporean citizenship because after 3-4 years wondering around I still find Singapore beautiful. Don't just hear what ppl say. Don't just read forum. Go out and experience it - work in that country for a few years and u will know.
Btw Taiwan is a great country - it's probably the only country I feel home [surrounded by nice chinese ppl] but try experience buildings shaking when u sleeping and politics there is a mess still I love Taiwan and their beautiful mountains when I retire I am going to sell of everything in Singapore and go Taiwan! :D *yeah*
Btw Immigration is not tough - if you got money that is.
Originally posted by Darkseed73:
Dear Laurence,Why not? Did you know 5 years ago hair stylist was very wanted in aussie? USA is employing nurse from all over the world? WHY NOT?
Maybe u don't have the skills and refuse to even try? If FT can leave their kids and wife @ home and come Singapore to look for work WHY NOT YOU??
Few years ago I couldn't find job in Singapore so I went to find job overseas. I was working in Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, India all for projects but I never thought of giving up my Singaporean citizenship because after 3-4 years wondering around I still find Singapore beautiful. Don't just hear what ppl say. Don't just read forum. Go out and experience it - work in that country for a few years and u will know.
Btw Taiwan is a great country - it's probably the only country I feel home [surrounded by nice chinese ppl] but try experience buildings shaking when u sleeping and politics there is a mess still I love Taiwan and their beautiful mountains when I retire I am going to sell of everything in Singapore and go Taiwan! :D *yeah*
Btw Immigration is not tough - if you got money that is.
oh, u loves my homeland...nice hor. Thankyou, beside, are you married?
Originally posted by angel7030:
oh, u loves my homeland...nice hor. Thankyou, beside, are you married?
Married? The woman charter only protects WOMAN. Marriage is for DUMB men. lol
Originally posted by Calvin86:I think the point the article was trying to drive is not why cars are becoming more expensive. You read with a "Singaporeans are whiners" attitude without finishing the article
Cars are expensive to own and maintain in any of the asian tiger economy. The point was to call bluff on the often repeated phrase of " world class transportation system" and the necessity of COE system. Those who travel around region know " world class transportation system" is nothing but a feel good propaganda phrase. Can we boast to have a better transportation system than any of the developed asian cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei or Seoul?
Hi Calvin,
Seems like u travel a lot ~ why don't u tell me how Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea public transport system are much better?
I have stay in those places and work there for a while so during peak hours the train of Japan, HK, Korea, Taiwan is as pack in my option. So why do u think they are more superior. Please enlighten me.
Originally posted by Darkseed73:Hi Calvin,
Seems like u travel a lot ~ why don't u tell me how Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea public transport system are much better?
I have stay in those places and work there for a while so during peak hours the train of Japan, HK, Korea, Taiwan is as pack in my option. So why do u think they are more superior. Please enlighten me.
Superior would be a strong word, I would say they are better than Singapore's in some aspects. The PAP likes to portray Singapore and its policies as omnipotent and superior and the rest of the world as inferior.... but the truth is very far off.......
As mentioned in the article," The Taipei subway for example arrives at less than 1 minute intervals during peak hours" Their MRT are in no way inferior to ours and have better frequency.
In Tokyo, its rather obvious. Jam packed it may be, the cold weather allows for greater contact between passengers.
1.The superiority of the Tokyo Public Transport lies in the extensive network of rail that touches all over Tokyo. Little need to own a car there.
2. The trains arrive on a very accurate schedule, which makes very efficient route planning with minimal waiting time.
3. They have express trains that skips many stations which allows you to reach home faster than travelling by car
As mentioned in the article, the public voted with their feet as only 10% of the population travel to work by car despite a much higher car ownership percentage.
PAP likes to bang so loud that they are "bestest" with flowery language such as "world class transport system". The truth is that if it is run by the civil servants in Japan, Korea, Taiwan or Hong Kong, it will be at least be just as good, if not, better than the Singapore system. It would be definitely be a less mercenary one....
angel70,
Dude!!WHERE IS MY CAR???!!
renting a car is lot cheaper now but i would still prefer to own 1.