Singapore is all set to embrace a technological leap in road transportation. Installation commences this November on a significant upgrade, ERP 2.0.
The new ERP 2.0 technology is set to revolutionise the driving experience for nearly a million motorists.
What’s in Store with ERP 2.0?
Firstly, ERP 2.0 is moving from the current gantry system to a sophisticated satellite-based one. Secondly, the system’s brain, the on-board unit (OBU), boasts features enhancing commute efficiency, taking us into the future of seamless travel. Additionally, the touchscreen display provides motorists with ERP-related information. This includes ERP charges and card balance. It will also provide updates on road and traffic conditions, pinpointing locations of Silver Zones, School Zones, speed cameras, and bus lanes.
@ltasg We will begin installation of the new on-board unit (#OBU) under the #ERP ♬ Summer Mood Upbeat Corporate(1007788) – MyFutureMusic
First on the List: Company Vehicles
By the end of 2025, all vehicles will don this high-tech apparatus. Kicking off the transition, company vehicles, including buses, taxis, and goods vehicles, receive priority for the new OBU from November 1. While individual vehicle owners await their schedule, new vehicles roll out from Q1 2024, already equipped.
Free Installation: Catch it Quick!
Installation costs? None, if acted upon within two months of notification! But don’t dilly-dally, or a fee awaits. Expect a three-hour installation process for cars, quicker for motorcycles.
Charging Mechanism Stays Put
Motorists can breathe easy. Current ERP charging mechanisms remain during this transition, as stated by LTA. There are currently no immediate plans for distance-based charges. Your favourite payment methods still apply, with the added convenience of direct billing options.
Why the Big Change?
Out with the old, in with the enhanced! ERP 2.0’s satellite-based system garners precise location data, pivotal for effective transport planning and congestion management. Plus, goodbye to space-consuming, costly physical gantries!
A Touch of Sophistication
The OBU’s design is a talking point. It has three components – an antenna, a processing unit, and a nifty touchscreen display. The touchscreen display is designed to tackle Singapore’s tropical heat while promising easy maintenance. Meanwhile, motorcycles get a sleek, single-piece version.
Opting Out of the Touchscreen? No Problem
Not a fan of the touchscreen? No issue! Motorists can opt for mobile app integrations, receiving crucial ERP info on-the-go. Though, installing the full set is recommended for the complete feature palette, enhancing road safety and commute convenience.
Security and Safety: Top of the Agenda
Safety concerns over the touchscreen? LTA quashes fears, confirming the display’s deactivation at speeds above 15km/h. What’s more, stringent data protection measures are in place, ensuring secure transactions and preserving user anonymity.
What About My Privacy?
Rest assured, your data’s safe. Rigorous safeguards ensure anonymised data handling, protecting sensitive personal information. Only essential vehicle-specific data for legitimate purposes, such as non-payment enforcement, is accessed.
ERP Gantries: A Gradual Goodbye
As we gradually bid farewell to ERP gantries, LTA studies alternative visual markers for a smooth transition. Full details are on the horizon.
Touchscreen Display: More Than Just ERP Info
The optional touchscreen is more than an ERP interface. It’s your comprehensive guide on the road, updating you on essential traffic info, from Silver Zones to road closures. Therefore, it’s your ticket to a stress-free journey.
Future Prospects: What More to Expect?
The future holds more promise! Once ERP 2.0 is fully functional, expect real-time traffic alerts and even roadside parking payment options. Plus, traversing checkpoints becomes breezier for registered cars.
Last Call: Changed Your Mind?
Subsequently, for those with a change of heart about the touchscreen, there’s a way out. You can get it installed at authorised workshops at a later date. However, the caveat is that this will be at your own expense.
In a Nutshell
ERP 2.0 is not just an upgrade. It’s a transformation of how Singapore experiences road travel. It promises efficiency, safety, and convenience. Features include enhanced traffic management to real-time updates. So, are you ready to drive into the future?
