- GNSS Satellite System: ERP 2.0 transitions Singapore from physical gantries to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracking.
- OBU Components: Three-piece unit for cars (Processing Unit, Antenna, Touchscreen Display) and one-piece unit for motorcycles.
- Payment Methods: NETS Motoring Card, EZ-Link Motoring Card, backend auto-pay (vCashCard, EZ-Link Motoring), or credit/debit card.
- Grace Periods & Gantry Rates: Gantries operate primarily during peak hours (07:30 to 09:30 and 17:30 to 19:30) on CTE, PIE, AYE, and KPE.
1. What is Singapore's ERP 2.0 System?
Singapore's Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, originally launched in September 1998 with physical overhead gantries and Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) In-vehicle Units (IUs), is undergoing a nationwide transformation to ERP 2.0. Powered by satellite-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, ERP 2.0 modernizes traffic congestion management across the island.
Unlike the legacy ERP gantries that required physical gantries across every expressway slip road and city cordon, ERP 2.0 relies on vehicle satellite positioning to verify when a vehicle enters a congestion pricing zone. Physical gantries are progressively decommissioned, replaced with slim overhead visual compliance markers and speed cameras.
2. Understanding the On-Board Unit (OBU)
Every Singapore-registered motor vehicle is required to install the new On-Board Unit (OBU). For four-wheelers (passenger cars, commercial vans, taxis, and lorries), the OBU consists of three distinct modules:
| Component | Mounting Location | Core Function & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Unit | Front Passenger Footwell | Contains the microcomputer, CEPAS payment card slot (compatible with NETS Motoring Card and EZ-Link Motoring Card), and satellite communication transceiver. |
| Antenna Unit | Top Center of Windscreen | Receives GNSS satellite positioning signals and communicates with road enforcement infrastructure and carpark Electronic Parking System (EPS) antennas. |
| Touchscreen Display | Dashboard / Windscreen (Optional) | Displays real-time ERP pricing alerts, current card balance, speed camera warnings, school zone alerts, and silver zone safety notifications. Motorists may opt out and use a paired smartphone app instead. |
Note for Motorcyclists: Motorcycles are fitted with a weather-resistant, single-piece OBU mounted securely on the handlebars, incorporating the processing module, antenna, and a compact notification screen.
3. Payment Options: Card vs. Backend Auto-Pay
Motorists have two primary payment configurations under ERP 2.0:
- Backend Auto-Pay Services (Recommended): Motorists can link their vehicle number directly to payment services such as NETS vCashCard or the EZ-Link Motoring Service linked to a credit or debit card. Under this setup, ERP gantry charges are deducted automatically without requiring a physical card in the processing unit.
- Physical CEPAS Stored-Value Card: Insert a physical NETS Motoring Card, EZ-Link Motoring Card, or NETS FlashPay card directly into the processing unit. Ensure the card maintains sufficient value before driving into peak-hour expressway cordons to avoid administrative fine surcharges ($10 admin fee plus toll charge).
4. Current Peak-Hour Pricing Cordons
ERP charges are reviewed quarterly by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) based on expressway traffic speeds. If average expressway speeds fall below optimal thresholds (45 km/h to 65 km/h for expressways, and 20 km/h to 30 km/h for arterial roads), ERP tariffs are adjusted upwards in 50-cent increments:
| Expressway / Corridor | Monitored Gantries | Peak Hours (SGT) | Typical Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Expressway (CTE) | Southbound before Braddell Rd, Northbound after PIE | 07:30 – 10:00 & 17:30 – 19:30 | $1.00 – $4.00 per pass |
| Pan Island Expressway (PIE) | Adam Rd & Mount Pleasant, Kallang Way | 08:00 – 09:30 & 18:00 – 19:30 | $1.00 – $3.00 per pass |
| Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) | Clementi Rd & Jurong Town Hall towards City | 07:30 – 09:30 | $1.00 – $2.00 per pass |
| Kallang-Paya Lebar (KPE) | Defu Lane towards ECP / CBD | 07:30 – 09:00 | $1.00 – $2.00 per pass |
5. Crucial Motorist Tips for ERP 2.0
💡 SingaNow ERP 2.0 Driving Hacks
- Carpark EPS Compatibility: The new OBU functions seamlessly at existing Electronic Parking System (EPS) car parks across HDB estates, shopping malls, and URA parking lots.
- Button to Mute / Sleep Display: The touchscreen display includes a night-mode dimmer and a dedicated power switch if you prefer minimal glare during nighttime driving.
- Avoid Toll Penalty Notices: If you receive an unpaid ERP notice due to an expired card or insufficient balance, settle it within 14 days via the LTA OneMotoring portal to avoid escalating fines.