Latest news with #ERP2.0
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Singapore motorists to get real-time flood alerts via ERP 2.0 system, says LTA
SINGAPORE, June 30 — Motorists equipped with ERP 2.0 on-board units (OBUs) will soon receive real-time alerts about flash floods while travelling, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced in a Facebook post today. The new feature, aimed at improving road safety during heavy downpours, will notify drivers when they are approaching roads impacted by flooding, according to a report published in Channel News Asia. 'During intense downpours, our canals and drains may be temporarily overwhelmed, leading to flash floods,' said LTA. 'While these typically subside within an hour, motorists should avoid flooded areas and use alternative routes.' The update is part of broader enhancements planned for the ERP 2.0 system, which will eventually allow payment of missed ERP charges, checkpoint tolls, and off-peak car licences directly via the OBU display. LTA is also working with the Urban Redevelopment Authority to enable electronic parking payments using the device. Installation of the ERP 2.0 system is ongoing nationwide, with more than 500,000 vehicles — about 300,000 of them cars — already equipped with OBUs. LTA said issues requiring workshop follow-ups have decreased, with affected cases falling from 1.8 per cent in November 2023 to around 1.3 per cent in May 2025, even as installation numbers grew. Most problems have involved wiring complications, hardware faults, or tampering by motorists attempting to reposition the device, said LTA and workshop technicians. To ensure effective troubleshooting, motorists are advised to return to the workshop where their unit was installed. OBU installation appointments can now be booked directly with authorised workshops, with the process typically taking between two to four hours depending on vehicle type. Each unit comes with a five-year warranty and includes features like silver zone alerts and expressway traffic updates.
CNA
4 days ago
- Automotive
- CNA
Motorists to get flood alerts from ERP 2.0 on-board units
SINGAPORE: Motorists using the ERP 2.0 on-board unit (OBU) will receive real-time alerts when travelling or approaching areas affected by flash floods, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a Facebook post on Monday (Jun 30). "During intense downpours, our canals and drains may be temporarily overwhelmed, leading to flash floods. While these typically subside within an hour, motorists should avoid flooded areas and use alternative route," LTA said. The new feature is part of a broader effort to enhance the functionality of the ERP 2.0 system. Future updates include allowing motorists to pay for missed ERP charges directly via the OBU display, LTA said previously. In time, motorists will also be able to pay for checkpoint tolls and off-peak car licences using the OBU, following the completion of the ongoing nationwide installation exercise. LTA is also working with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to enable Roadside Electronic Parking System payments via the OBU. 'We seek motorists' understanding and patience on the rollout of this large-scale operation, as we continue to troubleshoot user issues for motorists and bring new features to the OBU,' said an LTA spokesperson. FEWER ISSUES REPORTED WITH OBU INSTALLATIONS The rate of cars requiring workshop follow-ups for ERP 2.0-related issues has declined, LTA said in response to CNA queries. The proportion of affected cars dropped from an average of 1.8 per cent in November 2023 to about 1.3 per cent in May 2025 - even as installation volumes increased. To date, more than 500,000 vehicles - including roughly 300,000 cars - have been equipped with the OBU. While the most common problems relate to wiring - owing to the varying internal configurations of different car models - hardware issues, device faults or suspected tampering of wiring and components have also been reported. 'As with any large-scale rollout, some vehicles may experience issues that require follow-up checks," LTA said. "For such cases, motorists are advised to return to the workshop that carried out their installation, as they would have the necessary records for more effective troubleshooting.' Mr Ong Wei Shiong, head of operations and training at Indeco Engineers, a workshop that does OBU installations, said he has come across cases where motorists tried to reposition the OBU themselves. 'The initial setting of the OBU when the technician runs through the installation is very important,' he said. 'Any shifting of the OBU should only be done by trained personnel.' Another frequently reported issue involves car park gantries failing to detect the OBU. LTA advised motorists to allow time for the EPS system to connect and to ensure proper vehicle alignment with the gantry antenna. Motorists can now book OBU installation appointments directly with authorised workshops, without needing to wait for an official LTA notification or use the LTA booking portal. Installation typically takes two to four hours, depending on vehicle make and condition. Each OBU comes with a five-year warranty and motorists can return to the same workshop if there are any issues post-installation. Encouraging others to upgrade, Mr Ong said: "As a driver, I have found it extremely useful. The system is smart and prompts me when I need to look out for a silver zone, I get real-time traffic updates when I'm travelling on the expressway, among other features.'
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Singapore bans Wild Rice's Homepar for depicting drug abuse, undermining CNB
IMDA bans Wild Rice's Homepar for violating anti-drug policy standards The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore has officially banned a revised version of the theatre production Homepar, produced by the local company Wild Rice. The authority, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), determined that the updated script undermines Singapore's anti-drug policies and public trust in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). According to a joint statement released Friday (June 20), IMDA stated that Wild Rice submitted the revised script for the dramatised reading on June 5. Upon review, authorities deemed it to be in breach of the Arts Entertainment Classification Code (AECC), noting that the script had 'substantially changed' from the original version submitted on April 21. Also read: Jeffrey Siow addresses COE system, private-hire cars, ERP 2.0 and EV plans in Singapore 'The new material depicts and glamorises drug abuse and portrays an undercover CNB officer shielding abusers from detection,' IMDA said. 'It undermines Singapore's anti-drug policy, our drug rehabilitation regime, and public confidence in the CNB. Performances that undermine Singapore's national interest are not permitted under the AECC.' Live Events Wild Rice declines to revert to approved script, leading to disallowance IMDA confirmed that the original script for Homepar had met the requirements for an R18 classification and was approved for staging. However, the theatre company did not revert to the approved version after being informed of the classification. 'However, Wild Rice has chosen not to revert to that version,' IMDA said. 'Consequently, IMDA has disallowed the performance in its current form.' The authority reiterated Singapore's strict anti-drug stance and emphasized the importance of the AECC in protecting national interests. 'Singapore's firm stance against drugs remains unchanged, and we will continue to uphold the AECC to protect national interest,' IMDA stated. Also read: Singapore warns of tariff cascade as worried Asia eyes Trump According to the show's synopsis on Wild Rice's official website, Homepar, a term referencing house parties within the gay party scene, centers on a protagonist hosting a party as a means of coping with a breakup and exploring their evolving gender identity. Ivan Heng, a prominent actor and theatre director, is the founding artistic director of Wild Rice, which operates a 20,000 sq ft arts facility at Funan Mall. Channel News Asia (CNA) has contacted Wild Rice for comment, but no official response has been issued as of publication. Historical context of Singapore's censorship in performing arts This is not the first time Singapore authorities have disallowed a performance. In 2013, the former Media Development Authority banned a play titled Stoma by Agni Kootthu (Theatre of Fire) for what it called 'sexually explicit, blasphemous and offensive references and language' deemed disrespectful to the Catholic and broader Christian communities. Also read: Singapore dissolves parliament, paving the way for general elections Singapore's IMDA has banned the theatre production Homepar by Wild Rice, citing depictions of drug abuse and an undercover CNB officer shielding drug users. Authorities say the revised script violates the Arts Entertainment Classification Code and undermines anti-drug policies and public confidence in the Central Narcotics Bureau Singapore bans Wild Rice's Homepar for depicting drug abuse, undermining CNB In 2016, IMDA also denied classification to two film screenings scheduled at a festival due to what it described as 'excessive nudity,' further reinforcing the government's ongoing control over media content considered inconsistent with national values.
Economic Times
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Jeffrey Siow addresses COE system, private-hire cars, ERP 2.0 and EV plans in Singapore
Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow discusses Singapore's COE system, ERP 2.0 rollout, private-hire vehicle policies, and EV adoption at a media interview on June 11, 2025 Synopsis Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow stated that no major changes to Singapore's COE system are expected in the short term. He also discussed private-hire vehicle impacts, the ERP 2.0 rollout, electric vehicle adoption, and late-night transport access. This article summarizes key points on transport policy and urban mobility in Singapore Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow confirmed that the Singapore government will not implement significant changes to the certificate of entitlement (COE) system in the near term. He emphasized that the current focus is on completing the installation of on-board units (OBUs) in all vehicles as part of the ERP 2.0 transition. ADVERTISEMENT 'The reality is there won't be space for every Singaporean to own a car in Singapore,' Siow said during a media interview on June 11. He explained that the COE system remains a method to allocate a limited and valuable resource, vehicle ownership, within a land-scarce city-state. Also read: Singapore announces six public holiday long weekends for 2026 On the question of usage-based charging, Siow stated that this may be considered in a future phase of the ERP 2.0 rollout. The system was introduced to replace the aging ERP infrastructure, which had become unsustainable due to unavailable of June 2025, over 500,000 vehicles in Singapore have been equipped with OBUs. The government aims to complete installation across the country's vehicle fleet, totaling approximately one million, by to concerns that private-hire vehicles may be inflating COE prices, Siow challenged that narrative. He pointed out that these services provide pay-per-use access to private transport, potentially reducing the demand for individual car ownership. ADVERTISEMENT 'If we didn't have private-hire cars today, actually the reverse would be true, that a large number of these people will feel that they need to buy a car, and then... they will bid the price of the COE up,' Siow added that private-hire cars offer more efficient use of COEs. 'If you had one COE left to allocate, is it better to allocate it to a private car owner, who then drives maybe two trips a day and leaves the car in the garage? Or is it better to share the car among a much larger group of Singaporeans who can have access to the use of a car when they need it? Surely it must be the latter, right?' ADVERTISEMENT Also read: Top insolvency lawyer and former Rajah & Tann managing partner Patrick Ang dies at 61However, Siow indicated that if driving behaviors shift significantly over time, the COE allocation model could be reviewed also addressed questions regarding work hours for private-hire drivers following the recent death of 49-year-old driver Gavin Neo, who reportedly worked up to 15 hours daily. Siow noted that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) does not currently regulate the hours private-hire drivers spend on the road. ADVERTISEMENT He added that the unions have not requested regulations on driver hours, citing individual flexibility. Siow said that LTA would consider intervention if accident rates involving private-hire vehicles exceeded those involving private vehicles, which has not been the Workplace Safety and Health Council recommends limiting driver shifts to no more than 12 hours. Siow further commented on ride-hailing company Grab's incentive structures, suggesting they may merit closer review. ADVERTISEMENT 'I have a lot of sympathy for (Mr Neo)... The union has reached out to (the family), and we want to see how we can help the family in that particular instance,' he said. Siow identified electric vehicles (EVs) as a 'game changer' for urban planning. Because EVs are quiet and non-polluting, roads can be designed closer to or even through buildings. The government has announced that all new car registrations must be cleaner-energy models from 2030. Also read: Trade Tensions & Tariffs: Will Singapore enter a technical recession? 'It is a matter of managing the transition,' Siow said. 'It just takes time for people to switch. We don't want to force them to suddenly have to give up their vehicle for a new one.'On late-night public transport, Siow cited manpower limitations as the main constraint. 'Between choosing to deploy a night bus versus choosing to deploy a new bus service, I have to weigh which is the more immediate priority,' he said. For MRT services, nightly maintenance work limits the feasibility of extending service hours. However, the completion of the Circle Line loop between HarbourFront and Marina Bay may allow partial overnight maintenance while maintaining network connectivity. Siow stated that the current operational pressures are leaning more toward reducing service hours to accommodate maintenance needs rather than extending them. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Jeffrey Siow addresses COE system, private-hire cars, ERP 2.0 and EV plans in Singapore
No immediate revisions to COE system, ERP 2.0 rollout ongoing Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow confirmed that the Singapore government will not implement significant changes to the certificate of entitlement (COE) system in the near term. He emphasized that the current focus is on completing the installation of on-board units (OBUs) in all vehicles as part of the ERP 2.0 transition. 'The reality is there won't be space for every Singaporean to own a car in Singapore,' Siow said during a media interview on June 11. He explained that the COE system remains a method to allocate a limited and valuable resource, vehicle ownership, within a land-scarce city-state. Also read: Singapore announces six public holiday long weekends for 2026 by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo On the question of usage-based charging, Siow stated that this may be considered in a future phase of the ERP 2.0 rollout. The system was introduced to replace the aging ERP infrastructure, which had become unsustainable due to unavailable parts. As of June 2025, over 500,000 vehicles in Singapore have been equipped with OBUs. The government aims to complete installation across the country's vehicle fleet, totaling approximately one million, by 2026. Live Events Private-hire cars and COE prices Responding to concerns that private-hire vehicles may be inflating COE prices, Siow challenged that narrative. He pointed out that these services provide pay-per-use access to private transport, potentially reducing the demand for individual car ownership. 'If we didn't have private-hire cars today, actually the reverse would be true, that a large number of these people will feel that they need to buy a car, and then... they will bid the price of the COE up,' Siow said. He added that private-hire cars offer more efficient use of COEs. 'If you had one COE left to allocate, is it better to allocate it to a private car owner, who then drives maybe two trips a day and leaves the car in the garage? Or is it better to share the car among a much larger group of Singaporeans who can have access to the use of a car when they need it? Surely it must be the latter, right?' Also read: Top insolvency lawyer and former Rajah & Tann managing partner Patrick Ang dies at 61 However, Siow indicated that if driving behaviors shift significantly over time, the COE allocation model could be reviewed accordingly. Driver hours and road safety for private-hire sector Siow also addressed questions regarding work hours for private-hire drivers following the recent death of 49-year-old driver Gavin Neo, who reportedly worked up to 15 hours daily. Siow noted that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) does not currently regulate the hours private-hire drivers spend on the road. He added that the unions have not requested regulations on driver hours, citing individual flexibility. Siow said that LTA would consider intervention if accident rates involving private-hire vehicles exceeded those involving private vehicles, which has not been the case. The Workplace Safety and Health Council recommends limiting driver shifts to no more than 12 hours. Siow further commented on ride-hailing company Grab's incentive structures, suggesting they may merit closer review. 'I have a lot of sympathy for (Mr Neo)... The union has reached out to (the family), and we want to see how we can help the family in that particular instance,' he said. EV infrastructure, public transport priorities, and maintenance Siow identified electric vehicles (EVs) as a 'game changer' for urban planning. Because EVs are quiet and non-polluting, roads can be designed closer to or even through buildings. The government has announced that all new car registrations must be cleaner-energy models from 2030. Also read: Trade Tensions & Tariffs: Will Singapore enter a technical recession? 'It is a matter of managing the transition,' Siow said. 'It just takes time for people to switch. We don't want to force them to suddenly have to give up their vehicle for a new one.' On late-night public transport, Siow cited manpower limitations as the main constraint. 'Between choosing to deploy a night bus versus choosing to deploy a new bus service, I have to weigh which is the more immediate priority,' he said. For MRT services, nightly maintenance work limits the feasibility of extending service hours. However, the completion of the Circle Line loop between HarbourFront and Marina Bay may allow partial overnight maintenance while maintaining network connectivity. Siow stated that the current operational pressures are leaning more toward reducing service hours to accommodate maintenance needs rather than extending them.
