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Satellite-based ERP opens doors to other initiatives

The implementation of a satellite-based Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system will pave the way for distance-based pricing for vehicles (“Satellite-based ERP system to be rolled out from 2020”; Feb 26).

A gantry for the existing ERP system. A new satellite-based ERP could be used to track buses and taxis and make public transport more efficient. today file photo

A gantry for the existing ERP system. A new satellite-based ERP could be used to track buses and taxis and make public transport more efficient. today file photo

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The implementation of a satellite-based Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system will pave the way for distance-based pricing for vehicles (“Satellite-based ERP system to be rolled out from 2020”; Feb 26).

Perhaps, with our Smart Nation vision, the Government should also look at other opportunities this system will provide.

First, it could transition the price-elastic Certificate of Entitlement system into a standard fixed-price bidding system and variable pricing based on distance. The benefit of this approach is that the standard price can be lowered for middle-income Singaporeans who need a car. The number of cars on the roads would still be controlled by a fixed quota.

Second, the traffic patterns of taxis and vendors such as Uber could be monitored and tracked, to ensure that consumer needs and service levels are met. For example, errant taxi companies could be taken to task for the common complaint that taxis are not available during the 30 minutes before the midnight charge.

Third, although there is a bus tracking system, the authority and the service providers could also leverage a satellite-based ERP system to track bus locations, give commuters more accurate arrival timings as well as monitor and improve bus frequency.

Fourth, the Defence Ministry, the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the police could use this technology to track their vehicles for emergency responses and security-related incidents, to help commanders decide where and when to deploy resources quickly.

Fifth, commercially, there could be different motor insurance offerings to private-car drivers based on distance travelled, in addition to accident claims, for more affordable premiums.

Finally, transport data collected from the system could be shared with the public and commercial organisations, so that mobile applications could be created to improve lives.

But there will be privacy concerns. As the public sector has its own confidentiality rules and is not covered by the Personal Data Protection Act, which is for private organisations, it is important to inform and assure the public about what is collected.

This includes how the data are used and protected, and whether anonymisation is carried out when data are shared with third-party organisations such as the transport providers.

In summary, Singapore has an opportunity to harness this technology for the greater good of Singaporeans beyond 2020.

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