Jump to content

GPS ERP - The end of motoring journalism in Singapore?

GPS ERP - The end of motoring journalism in Singapore?

BenCee

1,869 views

monthly_06_2011/blogentry-83750-1306986385.jpg

blogentry-83750-1306985119_thumb.jpg

When the Land Transport Authority recently announced that it will begin testing the new GPS-based ERP system, my heart sank a little.

 

I mean, I knew it was coming, but I was holding out to that little bit of hope that it would not happen.

 

While we don't know how exactly the system will be implemented just as yet, I fear that this new GPS-based ERP tracking system could actually spell the end of motoring journalism as we know it in Singapore.

 

When we have cars to test and review, we try to drive them around for as much as possible, going to as many different places as we can, whether it be to take photos, or simply to see how the car copes with different types of road conditions, be it highway, city or even the occasional rural twisty road.

 

We do try our utmost to go around during non-peak hours, either in the middle of the afternoon (when people are working), or late in the night/early morning (when people are sleeping).

 

However, if the Government decides it wants to charge vehicles on a per use basis, for every road at every hour, then unfortunately, those days of driving cars in the dead of the night or in the afternoon blazing sun, just to see how it fares, will soon be over. Or at least it would be exorbitantly expensive to do so.

 

I completely understand the rationale behind this system. Singapore is small, we can't have too many cars overcrowding our island. However, I do hope that the Government at least consider those who actually need to use private transport in their jobs when they implement the new system.

 

I know that there will always be cynics who deride our profession as useless and unnecessary, and I will never be able to change their opinion, nor will I attempt to. Everyone's entitled to their own views, within reason of course.

 

But, if you're on this website, chances are, you probably have some interest in cars. And I'm sure you would appreciate the fact that we do offer a service when we write reviews, whether it be to provide useful information on your next purchase, or simply as an interesting read on cars that you might not have the chance to experience.

 

If the day comes when the joy of driving is killed in Singapore, it would make car enthusiasts here very sad indeed.




3 Comments


Recommended Comments

Why not we adopt the wait and see attitude before jumping into hysterical conclusions. I remember when ERP started people were skeptical too on privacy issues besides the dollars and cents. But life goes on didn't it. (except for the $$ part...lol)

 

Link to comment

JUst as what they intended favor the rich who rarely use their stable of cars!

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Godzilla Minus One: Surprisingly emotional and poignant

    When one thinks of Godzilla movies, one imagines an oversized amphibious dinosaur generating a terrifying heat ray from its mouth and fighting with other oversized monsters. Meh, nothing special, right? Wrong. Here’s why Godzilla Minus One should be an action movie you should definitely catch. In this version, the timeless clash between monster and man is once again set against the tumultuous backdrop of post-war Japan. But, unlike typical action films that dive headfirst into destruction a

    chrissyc

    chrissyc

    Rock and Roll: The Sonic Balm for Your Weary Soul

    Alright, I've stumbled upon the ultimate cure for your existential woes - Rock and roll. That's right, this sonic elixir is the balm your weary spirit's been craving. Forget yoga or meditation; all you need is a killer guitar riff and a thumping bassline to transport you to nirvana. It's time to turn that frown upside down and crank up the volume! The Term "Rock and Roll" Ever wondered where the saucy phrase "Rock and roll" came from? Well, back in the 17th century, salty sea dogs used

    clarencegi75

    clarencegi75

    Cordless vacuum cleaners: A young adult's best friend?

    Every young adult probably arrives at the same point when they’ve started working for a few years: Household chores start to become more enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong – they don’t have to be one’s favourite activity on earth. But chores start to make sense: An environment that’s put-together is always a welcome haven, whether it’s returning home after a long day out, or simply staying in over the weekend (or when you’re working from home.) As a young adult myself, I've come to appreciate an

    donutdontu

    donutdontu

    Singapore weather: Rainy or sunny, what’s healthier for you?

    Singapore can be that predictably unpredictable equatorial city, where the skies shift from radiant sunshine to torrential downpour in mere moments. Given how things have been the past few weeks, I’ve subconsciously found myself pondering the impact of this mercurial weather on our health. What does the internet say: Is it the sun-drenched days that truly invigorate us, or do the rhythmic rains offer a more profound rejuvenation? In a city where the climate dances between these two ext
×
×
  • Create New...