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SINGAPORE – While electronic road pricing (ERP) payments can be made technically via smartphone, operational and safety issues underlie the Land Transport Authority’s next-generation on-board units (OBUs) for ERP charges, said Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor. on Monday (October 5).
In response to inquiries from Members of Parliament on the design and functionality of the new units, Dr. Khor said they were adopted to better protect the ERP system, which contains the data of all drivers.
She said: “LTA consulted an interagency committee that included the Singapore Cybersecurity Agency, who cautioned that major collection transactions and ERP data must be processed securely and with high assurance. The on-board units, which are an integral part of the ERP system, have been designed to maintain the necessary protection for this purpose, and the security characteristics are superior to those of a mobile phone ”.
On the operational side, Dr. Khor said that using smartphones for ERP charges would require motorists to carry their phones and make sure the devices are sufficiently charged, with connection to the cellular network and the ERP payment application. released throughout the trip.
“Numerous unwanted and inconvenient failed transactions are likely to occur. Therefore, LTA concluded that it is better to process payments through a dedicated and integrated OBU, similar to the current in-vehicle unit (UI), ”he added.
Among other things, MP Melvin Yong had asked whether most OBU functions can be replaced by a smartphone, while MPs Saktiandi Supaat and Dennis Tan asked if the design of the new units can be improved.
In OBU design, the new motorcycle units (14cm by 8cm by 5cm) will be slightly larger than the current IUs (13cm by 8cm by 4cm).
As for OBUs for other vehicles, the processing unit will be installed under the dash and separated from the display unit on the windshield.
Dr. Khor said: “This is necessary, because the OBU uses global navigation satellite technology and it is really a small computer. There will be safety and reliability concerns in leaving the processing unit on the dash when vehicles with enclosed spaces are parked in the sun, similar to how we will not expose our smartphones in the same way. “
The display units (15cm by 8cm by 2cm) will be slightly larger than current IUs (12cm by 8cm by 3cm).
Dr. Khor said that LTA is currently consulting authorized motor vehicle dealers and workshops on the best way to install the OBUs. Here are some options for gathering public comment.
“For example, the screen can be kept black most of the time and only shows the ERP charges paid when a transaction is made. As a possible future upgrade, LTA is also looking into whether the information from the OBU can be sent to our smartphones, which can then be used as a display screen, ”he said.
In response to a query submitted by MP He Ting Ru on whether the public was consulted on the design, Dr. Khor explained that there were practical limitations to doing so.
“This is a one-of-a-kind project, there is no similar system anywhere else in the world. LTA sought proposals through an international tender. Several designs were submitted and LTA has to select the best from a performance, design and value for money point of view, ”he said.
“But after the award of the tender, LTA is contractually bound. It could have specified that the winning bidder must go through a major public consultation exercise and make significant changes to the design to receive public comment, but that will add significant uncertainty that will delay the project and raise bid prices, ”she said. additional.
The first OBU will be free, while new vehicles will come with them installed. LTA will release details on the warranty period for OBUs and information on the installation exercise at a later date.
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