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As announced by Mr Raymond Lim, the Minister
for Transport, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will be making changes
to the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system to enhance its effectiveness
in managing traffic congestion on the roads. |
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With the changes, a total of 16 new ERP
gantries will be activated this year, and this includes the 5 gantries
which were announced in August 2007 last year but have not been
activated. |
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The ERP changes will be phased in gradually,
starting with the Central Business District (CBD) and Orchard Cordons in
July 2008. This is to give time for motorists to adjust their travel
plans and allow for the impact of the changes in the CBD and Orchard
Cordon to work its way through the rest of the road network. |
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The enhancements to the ERP system, the
implementation of new ERP gantries and how the new ERP criteria will
take effect are outlined below. |
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Enhancements to the ERP System |
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The ERP system has essentially remained unchanged since its
introduction in 1998. As traffic volumes today are far different
from a decade ago, enhancements are necessary to ensure the ERP
system’s effectiveness. As part of the Land Transport Review, the
LTA has studied and reviewed the matter carefully, and will be
implementing the following changes to enhance the ERP system from
July 2008: |
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a. Use the 85th
Percentile Speed Measurement Method |
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The current threshold speeds (45 km/h on expressways
and 20 km/h on arterial roads) were set 10 years ago. Today, the threshold
speeds are close to the point where traffic flow can deteriorate rapidly into
the unstable zone where ‘stop-start’ conditions become common. In order to
create a buffer, LTA will use a more representative method of measuring actual
traffic conditions for ERP rate reviews, with speeds determined using the 85th
percentile speed measurement method, instead of using average speeds as is done
currently. The 85th percentile speed measurement method is also an international
traffic engineering practice for assessing traffic conditions. With the revised
speed measurement method, motorists will be assured of smooth travel on ERP-priced
roads at least 85% of the time; |
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b.
Increase the Initial ERP Charge and
Rate Increment |
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Motorists today are less sensitive to
the rate structure which has remained unchanged since 1998. For ERP
charges to remain effective in influencing motorists’ behaviour,
Lour, LTur, LTur, LTur, LTA will raise the incremental ERP charge
from $0.50 to $1. In addition, the ERP base charge, which is the
starting charge for a new ERP gantry point, will be increased from
the current $1 to $2. These changes will improve the effectiveness
of the ERP system, so that each time ERP rates are adjusted,
motorists who still choose to drive on these roads would see a
visible improvement in traffic flows. |
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c. Manage Congestion in the City
Area |
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To address the congestion in the city
area, LTA will introduce the Singapore River Line, comprising 5 new
ERP gantries that run roughly along the Singapore River to
discourage through traffic from using the city for outbound trips,
and Saturday traffic. |
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New ERP Gantries |
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LTA has been monitoring traffic
conditions closely on the roads, and has assessed that 16 new ERP
gantries are necessary to help manage congestion at the identified
locations. The LTA will phase in the implementation of the 16
gantries as shown below. |
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More..... |
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Source: www.lta.gov.sg
News Release 30 Jan 2008 |
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FrontPage Edition: Thu 31 January 2008
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