MANY things have changed since the introduction of the off-peak car scheme in 1994. These have made it necessary and important to fine-tune the system to cater to today's real needs.
For a start, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) should consider lifting the restricted hours on off-peak cars on Saturdays from 7am to 3pm. With an increasing number of companies practising a five-day work week, the restricted hours on Saturdays have essentially become less 'peak' than 14 years ago. For those who drive an off-peak car, removing such restrictions could also mean more family time on a non-working day. This would tie in well with the Government's call for more pro-family efforts by Singaporeans.
In addition, the LTA should consider allowing off-peak cars on the road in non-Central Business District, 'off-peak' areas, such as the neighbourhoods, during 'peak' weekday hours. In my view, this will not severely affect smooth traffic flow neither in the neighbourhoods nor on the arterial roads during these hours, when most people are at work. Also, this will give drivers of off-peak cars more freedom to run personal or family errands, as well as spend quality time with their families on days they are not working.
