Motorists in Singapore will soon face higher Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges at five locations along major expressways, as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) moves to tackle increasing traffic congestion.
From 1 September, ERP rates will go up by S$1 at selected gantries along the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), Central Expressway (CTE) and Pan-Island Expressway (PIE). The changes will bring peak-hour charges at some points to as high as S$4. LTA said its latest review of July traffic patterns showed slower speeds and heavier flows, particularly on stretches where congestion has been “persistently higher than optimal.”
This is the first upward adjustment in nearly a year. The last revision took place in September 2024, when ERP charges were similarly raised by S$1 at three other expressways — the AYE, Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) and Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE).
Monitoring Traffic Along Busy Expressways
| Expressway / Location | Old Rate (S$) | New Rate (S$) |
|---|---|---|
| AYE (selected gantries) | 3 | 4 |
| CTE (Northbound before Braddell) | 3 | 4 |
| CTE (other affected gantries) | 3 | 4 |
| PIE (selected gantries) | 3 | 4 |
| KPE (Southbound) | 3 | 4 |
According to LTA, the biggest concern currently lies on the Northbound CTE and Southbound KPE, where vehicle speeds often fall below the desired 45kmh to 65kmh range. The agency emphasised that ERP remains a critical tool in traffic management, helping to regulate demand and keep expressway travel smooth during peak hours.
While some motorists may feel the pinch of the higher charges, LTA stressed that the total number of gantries and timeslots subject to ERP fees is still lower than the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. For now, previously announced charges at other locations will remain unchanged.
Balancing Road Use and Motorists’ Costs
The move is expected to encourage drivers to adjust travel timings, consider alternative routes, or even switch to public transport during peak periods. With petrol prices already weighing on car owners, the added ERP costs could further prompt discussions about long-term sustainable transport solutions in Singapore.
LTA assured road users that it will continue monitoring traffic conditions closely and make further adjustments if necessary. Motorists are advised to check the updated ERP schedules to plan their journeys more efficiently.