NAVFone Plus

This phone software maps out for the user a route free of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees, if one exists.

It works like most other Global Positioning System (GPS) phone software in that the user has to pick the start and end points of the trip for the software to plot the route.

A recorded voice prompts the driver en route.

When The Straits Times tried out the software, it traced out a route from Bedok to Toa Payoh North that was ERP-free during the morning peak hours.

TripSum.com

This is a website packed with information on petrol prices, taxi stand locations and taxi surcharges, among other things. The most useful item on it is a calculator for the amount in ERP fees and petrol a given journey will cost.

Those taking a taxi can find out the fare payable, inclusive of ERP rates and other surcharges. The ERP costs for alternative routes are also listed.

Those who drive can find out the cost of petrol for the trip by selecting the octane level of fuel used and the capacity of the car.

Sgcarpool.com

Those seeking to set up or join car pools may use this site to advertise for others to share their ride or share a taxi.

Users need to register to use this site. They can also search for past posts put up by other users.

Oneshift.com

This website calculates ERP charges for a particular route. Users choose the start and end points to plot the route. The map shows the location of ERP gantries and also the nearest carparks and petrol stations along the way.

The roads en route are listed below the map along with the ERP charges.

While using the service is simple, the main drawback is the limited choice of destinations.

MARIA ALMENOAR

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Jan 8, 2009.

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