1. With the implementation of the new ERP criteria in the city centre and the addition of 5 new gantries along the Singapore River Line, data collected on the first day showed an improvement in travel speeds and traffic conditions.

2. Along the Singapore River, the 5 new gantries have been effective in cutting down through traffic from 6pm to 8pm. Traffic volume dropped by about 30 per cent, and consequently, traffic speeds improved by 9 to 35 per cent, from below the threshold speed of 20 kph before implementation of the 5 new ERP gantries, to between 22 kph and 26 kph, which is within the optimum speed range of 20kph to 30kph. For the entire CBD Cordon, speeds between 6 pm to 8 pm had also gone up, by 9 to 15 per cent, to between 21 kph and 22 kph.

3. While traffic conditions will take time to settle, it is nevertheless an encouraging sign. LTA will continue to monitor traffic conditions closely.

4. Our experience in the last 10 years shows that ERP has been effective in managing congestion, both on expressways and in the city centre. For example, when a new ERP gantry was implemented on the north-bound CTE in November last year, traffic volume during the most congested time period dropped by about 10% and speeds went up by 50%. Similarly, from the experience with Orchard Road ERP implementation, we found that traffic speeds along the Orchard corridor improved from 15 kph to 25kph and stabilised at 23kph. Through traffic using Orchard Road was reduced from more than 30 per cent to about 20 per cent.

5. "Some have questioned if it is timely to raise ERP rates, given the current economic situation. The fact is that congestion, if left unchecked, will have a negative impact on our economy and the quality of our living environment. If we do not manage demand for road use, our roads will eventually become gridlocked and all road users will have no choice but to get stuck in traffic jams. LTA has worked with the transport operators on immediate measures to improve the capacity and speed of the public transport system. The Government has also decided to allow motorists to encash their COE and PARF rebates," said LTA Chief Executive, Mr Yam Ah Mee.

Public Transport Improvements

6. Various measures have been implemented to make public transport a more attractive commuting choice. Mr Yam adds, "Seventy-five premium bus services now supply door-to-door service. The new SBST 128 is plying the southbound section of the North South East West line between Bishan and Ang Mo Kio to address heavy peak hour loading on that line. The recently announced Public Transport Journey Planner, which covers both SMRT and SBST routes and fares on one website, will make planning for trips more convenient. Bus lanes are also added to make bus travel faster and smoother. As of 30 June 2008, peak headways of basic trunk bus services that ply corridors affected by the ERP changes have improved from 15 minutes to 12 minutes on weekdays.

More Choices: PARF/COE Rebates

7. From September onwards, registered car owners of un-used and valid PARF/COE rebates can apply to encash their rebates as an additional option. This initiative is intended to provide flexibility to owners, to make it easier for owners giving up their cars to do so.

8. These initiatives and improvements underline LTA's commitment to provide more choices for commuters, including drivers who decide to switch to public transport.