The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has just announced an update where drivers can now choose where to install their on-board units (OBUs).

Given the variety of car models plying our streets, LTA has now flexed its guidelines to allow the installation of the processing unit in the driver’s footwell, depending on the car’s design.

Originally, LTA had earmarked the front passenger’s footwell as the go-to spot for these units. However, it seems some drivers found it a bit of a stretch to reach the units from there. Recognising the ergonomic hiccup, LTA is now offering more flexibility for drivers.

This decision springs from practical feedback received since the installation exercise began last year. It’s a response not just to the spatial constraints of different car models, but also to the subtler temperature dynamics within a vehicle.

Apparently, the footwell’s cooler climes compared to the dashboard area make it a more suitable host for the OBU’s antenna – separated from the processing unit to avoid overheating.

For those uninitiated, the processing unit houses the CEPAS card that drivers use to pay for ERP charges or parking fees. 

As of late, LTA has also introduced a new button on this display, allowing drivers to deactivate their CEPAS card for parking payments – handy for those with complimentary parking passes who’d rather not fuss at the gantry.

Moreover, LTA is enhancing the OBU with safety notifications for school zones, silver zones, and bus lane hours. They’re also working with the Traffic Police to include more alerts for speed and red-light cameras. All of these updates are delivered straight to the OBU via “over-the-air” technology – no need to revisit the workshop.

For those still mulling over where to install their OBU, the choice is yours, with a free NETS Motoring Card thrown into the deal to hopefully sweeten the transition.

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Chatting with fellow commuters lately, you might have caught wind of a bit of a kerfuffle about the shift from EZ-Link to SimplyGo.

Just when we thought we were all forced to switch gears by 1 June 2024, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has decided to revert their initial plans.

Not caught up on the story?

A fortnight ago, the buzz was all about transitioning adult commuters onto the SimplyGo platform. LTA shared that a hefty slice of adult fare transactions on public transport, about two-thirds, were already being handled by SimplyGo EZ-Link or bank cards.

Plus, they pointed out that the trusty old card-based ticketing (CBT) system was inching towards its twilight years, hence the “need” to facilitate a shift.

But, on 22 January, LTA declared it was hitting the brakes on the full switch. Instead, they’re extending the lifespan of our beloved adult CBT system to run side by side with SimplyGo.

This means you’ve got the freedom to tap your EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay cards, or SimplyGo-compatible cards when you hop on public transport. Perhaps public outcry can enact change in some cases.

Caught in the middle?

If you’ve already grabbed a SimplyGo EZ-Link card or morphed your EZ-Link into SimplyGo between 9 and 22 January 2024, you can swap your card for a classic CBT EZ-Link card at no extra cost, should you choose to do so.

This includes the young at heart seniors, students, Workfare Transport Concession cardholders, and individuals with disabilities.

If you’ve got a SimplyGo-compatible card or converted your card on or before 22 January, you too can exchange it for a CBT Concession card free of charge.

As we speak, LTA is mapping out the details for this card exchange exercise and promises to have a concrete plan by the end of February. They’re also fine-tuning SimplyGo to make sure it’s a smooth ride for everyone.

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The Land Transport Authority (LTA) just announced that they are rolling out the new On-Board Unit (OBU), the brainchild of ERP 2.0. This little (is it really little though?) is set to transform the way we handle road charges. Here’s the scoop on this new tech.

The IU, faithful companion for 25 long years, is now making way for the new kid on the block. And first in line for this OBU upgrade are fleet vehicles registered to companies and organisations, starting on the 1st of November.

As we welcome 2024, new vehicles will be equipped with the OBU right from the get-go. As for the rest of our trusty rides, installations will be doled out in batches, depending on their age.

Worried about how you’ll know when it’s your turn? Don’t be. LTA’s got your back. They’ll drop you a letter, an email, or even an SMS – they’re all about keeping you in the loop. There’s a two-month grace period for a free OBU installation, so it’s easy on your wallet. The grand plan is to have this OBU revolution completed by the end of 2025.

Now, let’s dive into what makes this OBU a head-turner, and something that has sparked national debate. Forget about the basic IU; this has got three pieces – a processing unit, an antenna, and a touchscreen display. That touchscreen display not only displays ERP charges and card balance info, it also provides real-time road updates. Silver Zones? Check. School Zones? Check. Speed cameras and bus lanes? Check and check.

Motorcycles are also getting an update, but their OBU units only consist of a single unit. Lucky.

Owners will have the power to decide too. Don’t want the display? No problem, LTA is all ears. You can download their ERP 2.0 app on your smartphone or pick from a list of third-party apps listed on LTA’s OneMotoring website. However, to get the full scoop of OBU features, including the option to pay for roadside parking, LTA suggests you go all in and install all three components. 

LTA has also announced that there will be no adjustments to ERP charges during this transition period. Plus, for all you tech whizzes out there, LTA has thrown in a software development kit (SDK) for software developers to create apps that can display ERP 2.0 data.  Don’t worry, your data’s safe and sound; no unauthorised readings or changes here. We hope.

Even if you hate it, there’s no stopping the OBU from being rolled out. So, let’s get ready for ERP 2.0 and embrace the touchscreen revolution.

Photo Credits: Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Channel News Asia (CNA)

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The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has recently announced that it will increase the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) quota for vehicular categories A and B over the next few quarters. This one-time adjustment aims to reduce supply volatility which was the root cause behind the massive price spikes.

This announcement was in response to the record-breaking COE prices, with prices in Category A crossing the S$100,000 threshold for the first time on Apr 19, 2023. Similarly, category B premiums rose to a record high of S$120,889 during the same bidding exercise.

Open category COEs, which can be used for any vehicle type but are mainly used for large cars, hit an all-time high of S$118,990.

Increase in quota

For Q2 of 2023 – between the months of May to July – the COE quota will increase from 9,575 to 10,431.

This will result in a 24 per cent increase for Category A, while Category B will see an increase of 15 per cent. This will be in effect for the remaining five bidding exercises for this quarter.

Additionally, LTA will also bring forward the guaranteed deregistrations of five-year non-extendable COEs which are due to expire. This will happen whenever supply is projected to be higher, and these will be distributed over the next few quarters. The total supply of such COEs is about 6,000. 

Don’t expect prices to fall drastically

Although COE premiums have fallen slightly in the latest bidding exercise, COE prices are likely to remain high for a while, due to limited supply and increasing demand.

Delivering a ministerial statement in parliament on Monday, Transport Minister S Iswaran said Singapore “must expect the long-term trajectory for COE prices to be upwards”.

“Even as LTA makes the one-time adjustment to the COE quota in categories A and B, I would like to emphasise two points. First, this will help to lessen, but it will not eliminate, volatility in supply. There will still be a degree of supply fluctuation due to historical factors and broader market conditions. Second, the long-term upward trend of COE prices due to rising incomes and zero vehicle population growth will not abate.”

LTA has also stated that the new measure does not alter the zero Vehicle Growth Rate on the overall car population. 

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