To lower car demand, change public transport, not COE

We can see from the last few Certificate of Entitlement bidding exercises that the move to shift luxury models from Category A to B has not lowered Cat A prices. (“COE prices rise again, raising questions over recategorisation”; March 20)

With the revision, car buyers’ choices are limited and cars have become less powerful and efficient.

Cars are a limited resource and it will be difficult to satisfy everyone who desires a car; everyone feels that he or she deserves one and has a justified reason.

Having more of Electronic Road Pricing does not help.

The other reason demand remains high is that our public transport has let us down time and again.

Unless we make it efficient, comfortable and convenient, we will continue to push Singaporeans towards cars.

The packed trains and stations, plus the breakdowns, do not inspire confidence. The lack of taxis and the unpredictable fare system are deterrents.

We may not be able to make cars cheap and easily available, so we must focus on making our public transport system the best and the most reliable.