..::[ Why I Hate Technology at Times ]::..

~~| Track currently on "Drifting Away" (Lange Feat. Skye)

*Gasps~~* Horror!!!!! I was just thinking sometime back when we'll be charged for driving from one place to the other. To my horror, I found this article on channelnewsasia.

"SINGAPORE: Distance-based charging is the next step when it comes to road pricing in Singapore. This is where motorists are charged based on the distance they travel on congested roads, using GPS technology."

LTA researching on viability of distance-based road pricing

Source: Channel News Asia

Link

I'm an avid user of technology. I embrace all sorts of new technology even those that don't work. However, this is one of those times that I hate technology. I love GPS technology as there are many uses for it. However, LTA thinking of using GPS technology to charge road users based on the distance they traveled. It's simply outrageous.

Imagine they could change the pricing for certain roads by just giving one day notice to road users. Assuming Bukit Timah Road is congested and LTA could simply charge road users for using that stretch of road at a touch of a button. No need to erect ERP anymore as they could simply use GPS to charge any road users that passes by that road. However, let's look at the pros and cons first.

Pros :

• Road users will plan ahead which routes to take to reach their destination, thus reducing congestion, pollution, reduce global warming.
• Easier for LTA to manage flow of traffic
• With GPS system tracking each and every car, it might be possible to have a traffic grid work whereby cars are autonomous. Future cars might not require a driver at all. The cars will be driven by computers on the transportation grid. (possible expansion of the GPS system as I see it)

Cons :

• Users are subjected to the road charges with minimum notice. If you're not up to date which roads are being charged a levy, there could be a hole in your pocket very soon.
  
• Unfair for road users who are not IT savy, they might not be aware which roads are being charged. With the current gates, at least they can see that if they drive under it during certain hours. They'll be charged.
  
• With charges being pegged to congested roads, what is the definition for congested roads? Nowadays, even if I take public buses, there's a jam. So if the definition isn't clear on congestion, does that mean that most of the areas I'm going now is going to be charged?
• With GPS charging system in place, is there still a need to have COE? COE was introduced to limit the number of vehicles on the public roads but it appears that LTA is thinking of other ways to counter transportation problem as COE doesn't seem to be effective.
  

Haiz, it would appear that you'll have to pay for a lot of things nowadays. I sure hope that I'll not be charged to get out of my home next time just to take a walk around my neighbourhood, with a GPS chip inserted into my body. (I'm stretching this too far but you guys know what I mean). My suggestion to LTA if GPS technology is viable, is to have a designated lane for users who are in a rush. By having a separate lane on all roads, users can pay to use that special lane to get to their destinations faster. With the implementation of that measure, it'll be fairer to the public to abolish the COE system. I think Singapore is the only country in the world whereby it's so confusing for a first time owner to buy a car. Need to conside COE, PARF, OMV etc etc....most of which sounds very foreign to me.

~~| I Once wanted to be an Atheist but I gave up | Coz they have no Holidays |~~