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SINGAPORE – Motorists appreciate the added features of the next-generation electronic road pricing system, but feel its three-piece on-board unit (OBU) is clunky, inelegant and takes up too much space.
Eugene Ong, 50, said: “Singaporeans love their cars and want to preserve their original appearance as much as possible.
“It would be nice if we could optimize and have the OBU interface with infotainment systems, which most modern cars have, so there is no need for another touch screen.”
As for cars without an infotainment screen that can interface with the OBU, the sales manager suggested options for the “flexible placement” of the touch screen.
The Land Transportation Authority (LTA) announced on Tuesday (September 8) that the installation of a new OBU to replace the current unit in the vehicle will begin in the second half of next year.
In addition to providing information on ERP freight rates and locations, the OBU will also provide real-time road traffic updates and the locations of nearby school zones and silver zones.
It will come in two designs: a one-piece motorcycle unit; and for other vehicles, a three-piece unit comprising an antenna, a touch screen for mounting on the windshield, and a processing unit that can be mounted under the dash.
Freelance writer Lynn Tan, 42, said: “The additional functions in the OBU are useful for motorists because not everyone uses driving applications and not all cars are equipped with a navigation system with real-time updates.
“But I would like the OBU design to be able to be less bulky. For example, can the processing unit be integrated with the touch screen without increasing its volume? If not, can the processing unit be hidden?”
Retired Lai Meng, 61, who drives and rides a motorcycle, said he likes the new features of the new ERP system.
“It also makes sense to roll out the new system to fix bugs,” he said.
“But I hope that distance-based charging can be implemented soon, as this is a key reason for the system change.”
Mr. Lai said distance-based charging would encourage “a more judicious driving culture in Singapore and hopefully an adjustment to the current HGV tax regime.”
Ms. Tan agreed. “I’m in favor of distance-based charging as it seems like a fairer system. The more you drive, the more you pay. It makes sense.”
Airline pilot Andrew Koh, 39, said: “I can’t understand why more than one type of unit is needed on board. Why do cyclists and non-riders require a different screen size and type? ?
“Wouldn’t a three-piece unit mean an unnecessarily higher unit cost and technical installation complications?”
He added that having such a system would also require the storage of multiple components.
Business consultant Albert Lee, 61, said he hopes that a remote charging platform can be implemented soon, so that taxes can be reviewed in advance on cars.
“A usage-based charging system must serve its purpose and not be seen simply as a motorist having to pay more.”
Car taxes were lowered and more entitlement certificates were issued shortly after the current ERP system began in 1998.
The LTA did not say when the system can start charging by distance and whether the $ 556 million project cost included a charging by distance feature. During this year’s budget, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said the technology for distance-based charging “is still several years away.”
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