Motorists want more streamlined ERP units

Motorists welcome the additional features of the next-generation Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, but feel its three-piece On-Board Unit (OBU) is clunky, inelegant and takes up too much space.

Mr. Eugene Ong, 50, said, "Singaporeans love their cars, and they want to preserve the original look and feel as much as possible. It would be good if we can have the OBU interface with the infotainment systems - which most modern cars have - so that there is no need for another touchscreen."

As for cars without an infotainment screen that can interface with the OBU, the Sales Director suggested options for "flexible placement" of the touchscreen.

Freelance Writer Lynn Tan, 42, said, "The additional features on the OBU are useful for motorists because not everyone uses driving apps and not every car is equipped with a navigation system with real-time updates. But I wish the design of the OBU can be less bulky. For instance, can the processing unit be integrated with the touchscreen without adding to its bulk? If not, can the unit be concealed?"

Retiree Lai Meng, 61, who drives as well as rides a motorbike, said he likes the new features of the new ERP system. "It also makes sense to do a progressive roll-out of the new system to work out the bugs. But I hope distance-based charging can be implemented soon."

He said such charging will encourage "a more judicious driving culture in Singapore and, hopefully, an adjustment to the current front-heavy motoring tax regime". Ms. Tan agreed, "I am all for distance-based charging as it seems like a fairer system. The farther you drive, the more you pay."