ERP goes up... because we have too few cars?

Just 1 week after our wonderful minister said ERP helps more S'poreans to own cars, the government has decided to increase ERP rates AGAIN. 3rd time this year some more. I wish my salary can also increase 3 times a year.

So, does the government think our roads are too empty, and so more cars are needed, and so ERP has to go up? Let's take a look at the traffic cameras on our S'pore major roads to find out! And please, be sensible. Look at the traffic going AWAY from town area in the MORNINGS and look at the traffic going INTO town area in the EVENINGS. Who would travel to town in the mornings and travel out of town in the evenings? Very few I guess. That's why the roads are under-utilized and we need more cars. Or better yet, look at the traffic only during 1AM to 5AM, where the public transport is not in service. I mean, when there's no public transport, of course you need cars right? How else will the citizens travel during the busy timing of 1AM to 5AM?

===========================================
ERP rates going up again for third time this year
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 October 2007 2045 hrs

SINGAPORE : Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates are going up again for the third time this year.

There will also be new gantries erected.

The highest amount will be charged at the Pan Island Expressway (PIE). The gantry affected is the one at the slip road into the Central Expressway (CTE).

From November 5, motorists will pay $3.50 from 7:30am to 8:00am. The amount charged goes up to $5.00 between 8:30am and 9:00am. This is a $1.50 increase in the 8:30am to 9:00am period since February this year.

The latest hike comes just days after the opening of the Kallang-Payar Lebar Expressway (KPE) Tunnel.

The KPE is expected to ease congestion on the CTE when it opens fully late next year.

ERP rates will also go up by 50 cents at six other gantries.

The CTE gantry north of Braddell Road will cost $2.50 between 7:30am and 8:00am.

Three CTE gantries south of Braddell Road will cost $4.00 between 8:30am and 9:00am.

Those travelling along Bendemeer Road will have to pay $1.50 from 8:30am to 9:00am, instead of the current $1.

Drivers on Thomson Road will also have to pay $1.50 between 8:30am and 9:00am.

New ERP gantries will also start operating on November 5.

There will be one on the north-bound CTE just before the PIE exit, and two along the east-bound ECP before the Rochor Road exit and Ophir Road slip road.

There is also another one on the south-bound Bukit Timah Expressway after the Dairy Farm exit before it joins the PIE. - CNA /ls