Since its introduction in 1998, the ERP scheme has successfully kept our roads relatively free flowing. As part of our ongoing efforts to minimise congestion, we will be fine-tuning the ERP scheme by extending its operating hours along the northbound Central Expressway (CTE) and introducing a separate cordon for Orchard Road.

Traffic congestion during the evening peak hours along the northbound Central Expressway (CTE) has been a concern since 2000. Despite the addition of a traffic lane between the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 in 2002, and the option of commuting by train when the North East Line (NEL) started operations in 2003, traffic conditions on the northbound CTE have not improved.

The average travel speed on the northbound CTE, between Bukit Timah Road and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 from 6.30pm to 8.00pm, is well below the 45km/h-65km/h optimal range. This means that not only are motorists experiencing congestion today, the CTE is also not carrying the maximum capacity that it has been designed for.

As such, from 1 August 2005, ERP has been introduced on the northbound CTE from 6.00pm to 8.00pm on weekdays, except public holidays. The new ERP gantry is located on the northbound CTE between the PIE and Braddell Road.

Motorists who find it not worthwhile to pay to use the northbound CTE can choose public transport or carpool, shift their time of travel, or take a different route. Alternative routes include Thomson Road, Upper Thomson Road, Marymount Road, Serangoon Road and Upper Serangoon Road.

Traffic conditions along the popular shopping belt are rather different as compared to other areas of the Central Business District (CBD). Instead of the usual morning peak hours, we found that traffic build-up along the Orchard Road area generally occurs after 12.00 noon when retail outlets open for business.

From 3 October 2005, to better manage traffic into the Orchard Road area, ERP rates for Orchard will be determined by traffic conditions in the area, independently from the rest of the CBD. Two new ERP gantries, located near Handy Road (in front of the former Cathay Building) and Orchard Road (after the YMCA), will be installed to demarcate the Orchard Road cordon.

This will allow the two cordons to be priced more flexibly and effectively. For example, based on current traffic conditions, there may be zero charging for the Orchard Road cordon during weekday mornings, while the CBD continues to be charged.

ERP operating hours for the Orchard Road area will be extended to 8.00pm on weekdays. ERP will also be implemented for the Orchard Road area on Saturdays, from 12.00 noon to 8.00pm.

View the location maps of the new ERP gantries and ERP rates for the northbound CTE and Orchard Road cordon.

Find your answers in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). More details can also be found in our press release.

For more information on the ERP system, click here.

Last Updated on 13/09/2005