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THE recent initiatives by the Ministry of Transport to ease road congestion are well thought out and wide ranging. The moves to improve public transport in particular are most welcome and appreciated by all users.
However, an important point regarding car ownership has been missed.
Improved public transport in itself will not stop the increase in car usage. Nor will punitive taxes in the form of higher ERP and other charges cause car users to switch to public transport in significant numbers.
Car ownership in Singapore is seen as a sign of success and prosperity. Most young working adults aspire to own their set of wheels. They work hard towards it. Many older Singaporeans rate their social status by the type of car they drive.
To take public transport instead will be seen by many car-owning Singaporeans as loss of face. Most will pay the higher ERP charges and continue to drive.
In fact, owning a car despite the higher charges will probably enhance its appeal as a status symbol, even if a lifetime of motoring may deplete the retirement savings of many motorists.
Having smooth free-flowing traffic is essential to a prosperous Singapore. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said recently: 'If you do not have free-flowing traffic, you'll lose your competitive edge.' For the sake of the country, Singaporeans must reduce their use of cars and take public transport.
The example is best set at the top and senior public figures and corporate heads should be seen taking the occasional ride on public transport. It will then become socially more acceptable for many of today's long-term car owners to start using public transport regularly. Occasional car-free days by public sector organisations will help start the trend. Once obviously prosperous and successful Singaporeans are seen occasionally using public transport, others will follow.
The status element of driving a car should be addressed in tandem with improvements to public transport. Taking public transport must be seen as the right thing to do, not just for those who can't afford cars and ERP charges. Let the switch to public transport be seen as a voluntary public-spirited act for the sake of a greener Singapore. This focus will make the transition easier.
Otherwise, we will have the same congestion unless the ERP hike is unbearable. Unfortunately, high ERP charges will deplete savings and increase the cost of distributing products and services.
Frederick Ronald Rajkumar Masillamoni
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