What’s Happening With Singapore’s Roads?
Here’s the scoop – the tear‑jerking traffic saga right now
The big news – the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system stays off at every gantry until at least July 26. If the road curves back into business, new rates could kick in on July 27*.
Why? After the “circuit breaker” restrictions curbed the movement across the island, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) did a quick check. Traffic flows look pretty calm, so they’re keeping the ERP rates at zero for the moment.
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Why the ERP is on pause
Traffic is smooth as a piston – expressways and arterial roads are moving just fine in early June.
Low accidents – a 40 % drop since April 7, easing road safety worries.
Traffic volume is down – overall, road usage fell about 60 % between April and May, courtesy of the coronavirus slowdown.
Bottom line: The LTA says the conditions just don’t call for any road tolls right now.
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What to expect in July
Fourth week of July – They’ll publish the next ERP rate review outcome.
Potential new rates – If triggered, those rates will take effect on July 27.
The LTA is watching this closely. If traffic starts swamping the roads, they’re ready to tweak ERP in real time—every four weeks for now, instead of the usual quarterly schedule.
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Work‑from‑home vibes in the Central Business District (CBD)
MRT data shows people are still working from home where feasible.
Staggered work hours are in vogue for those who must commute.
Peak‑time traffic has taken a half‑step back but remains manageable.
“More people will opt for the roads soon, and some congestion may appear,” said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
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Going forward
Phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening is rolling out—almost the entire economy is running, albeit with safe‑distancing protocols.
Future rate reviews will likely return to the pre‑COVID quarterly rhythm when traffic normalizes.
Takeaway: As Singapore steadily gets back on its feet, the road system keeps its finger on the pulse, ready to re‑activate ERP if the traffic tide turns.
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