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After reviewing the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) scheme on Saturdays for the Orchard and Bugis-Marina Centre ERP cordons, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) today announced changes to the operating hours and rates for these two areas.
From June 2, Saturday operating hours for nine gantries within the Orchard cordon will start at 12.30pm instead of 11am.
Saturday ERP rates for the Bugis-Marina Centre cordon, which encompasses 13 gantries around Suntec, Bugis, and Victoria Street, will be reduced to $1 between 12.30pm and 2pm, and between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. The previous ERP rate to enter this area was $2.
LTA said that during the review, feedback from business associations and the public, and traffic conditions in the cordons were taken into consideration.
LTA also stated that ERP is still required on Saturdays to manage traffic congestion in the two areas.
"However, since trips bound for the two cordons on weekends are largely for shopping or leisure, there is scope to fine-tune the ERP operating hours and charges to give greater choice to motorists.
"For instance, some motorists may be prepared to accept slightly greater congestion without having to pay ERP charges, while others are prepared to pay for a better travelling experience," wrote LTA in a statement.
klim@sph.com.sg
 
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