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SINGAPORE: Installation of the new on-board units (OBUs) in vehicles will begin in the second half of 2021 and will take place for 18 months, replacing the current units in vehicles.
The first unit will be free for existing Singapore-registered vehicles, the Land Transportation Authority (LTA) said in a press release on Tuesday (September 8).
Installation was due to begin later this year, but the process has been delayed due to the impact of COVID-19 on global supply chains, LTA said.
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The new units will be used when Singapore switches to the next-generation electronic road pricing (ERP) system, based on the global satellite navigation system, in mid-2023.
It replaces the gantry system that is over 20 years old and was intended to load motorists according to the distance they travel.
However, LTA said Tuesday that ERP rates will continue to be revised based on traffic speed and congestion levels.
“While the technology and system have been replaced and updated, the way congestion pricing is imposed today will not change,” the authority said.
“ERP loading locations will also be clearly marked, as now, but with smaller and thinner gantries.”
NEW OBU DESIGNS
In addition to providing information on ERP load locations and rates, the OBU will provide additional information, such as real-time traffic updates, as well as locations of nearby school zones and silver zones, LTA said.
For motorcycles, the OBU is a one-piece device designed to be mounted on the vehicle.
A new on-board unit on a motorcycle. (Photo: LTA)
All other vehicles will have a three-piece design installed, comprising an antenna and a touch screen attached to the windshield. There is also a processing unit that can be mounted under the dash.
The OBU is designed to be compatible with existing systems, including ERP charges and parking.
The new on-board unit for all other types of vehicles other than motorcycles. (Photo: LTA)
“Motorists can continue to use their CEPAS cards (NETS FlashPay and EZ-Link cards) or credit or debit cards to make the payment,” said LTA.
It is mandatory for Singapore registered motor vehicles to have the new OBU after the installation exercise is completed.
“LTA will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the OBU installation schedule and will provide the motor vehicle industry and motorists with sufficient notice for a smooth transition,” the authority said.
Singapore-registered motor vehicles that do not use public roads in mainland Singapore, or are subject to strict usage restrictions, will be exempt from the mandatory OBU requirement.
These include tractors, construction equipment, trailers, and vehicles in the Restricted Use Scheme, such as airport vehicles.
PROTECTION OF THE PRIVACY OF THE DATA
The next-generation ERP system will collect data from users, with “strong security and strict safeguards,” LTA said.
“LTA will only use anonymized or aggregated data for traffic management and transportation planning purposes,” he said.
“Vehicle-specific data will be used only for payment, charges and enforcement, as against non-payment of ERP charges. Citations related to such defaults will largely be generated automatically, as today. “
On security measures, he added: “To prevent unauthorized access and misuse of data, there will be strong security and strict safeguards, including penalties under the Public Service (Government) Law.”
