ERP speeds up CBD traffic

ELECTRONIC Road Pricing (ERP) in the Central Business District has helped improve traffic speeds, according to a Land Transport Authority survey.

Traffic speeds improved from 18kmh to between the optimal range of 20kmh and 30kmh once ERP measures were implemented.

The survey also found that while peak hour traffic volume grew by 25 per cent islandwide, it was kept to a 15 per cent increase in the CBD.

Separately, the expansion of bus lanes has boosted bus speeds by up to 8 per cent for normal bus lanes and 13 per cent for full-day bus lanes.

Cost of Mitsubishi's green car

MITSUBISHI'S i-MiEV, slated to become the first mass market electric car to debut here next year, could cost just under $100,000.

That is if the Government grants it research status, thus exempting it from Additional Registration Fee, excise duty, and COE.

The subcompact, which can cover around 100km on a full charge and has a top speed of 130kmh, would otherwise cost close to $200,000.

Research cars here, identified by their blue-yellow number plates, have included a fleet of clean-diesel cars running on a blend of biodiesel and fuel-cell cars.

Road pricing gaining converts

ROAD pricing is being adopted in more places worldwide, with Slovakia next and possibly San Francisco in the United States.

Slovakia has opted for satellite-based technology to implement toll charges through an in-vehicle unit.

Siemens, which is setting up the system, said satellite-based systems are more cost effective when more roads are included in the charging, while a gantry system like Singapore's is more effective if fewer roads are involved.

San Francisco will conduct a trial of road pricing soon but has not decided on what technology to use.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

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