Netizens in Singapore have expressed discontent with the newly launched On-Board Unit (OBU) for ERP 2.0, with many questioning the rationale behind the system’s implementation. 

We’ve gathered some key considerations circulating on-line, together with solutions from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Transport, to make clear how the transition to ERP 2.0 will improve the commuting expertise for all motorists. 

1. Why is there a have to transit to ERP 2.0 when the present system is working high-quality?

The present ERP system has been round for twenty-five years since its inception in 1998 and is now nearing the tip of its operational lifespan. 

Producers are not producing the chips and elements for the previous In-vehicle Items (IU), which requires an overhaul of the present system. 

The brand new ERP 2.0 system makes use of the World Navigation Satellite tv for pc System (GNSS) know-how, which forgoes the necessity for bodily gantries. 

It supplies the choice for distance-based charging sooner or later, which may permit for a one-off enhance within the complete variety of automobiles whereas successfully managing congestion and site visitors circulate on Singapore’s roads.

The transition from the present IU to the OBU, which can allow ERP 2.0, is a large-scale train involving many motorists and a various vary of auto fashions, each previous and new. 

As the method is predicted to be accomplished in a number of years, it should begin now to be totally operational when the present ERP system phases out.

2. What’s the distinction between the present IU and the brand new OBU? 

The present ERP IU is an easy system that interacts with bodily gantries to handle ERP funds and relay data processed by gantries. 

However, the brand new ERP 2.0 OBU can do every part the present IU does—and extra. Very like a mini-computer, it might show ERP-related data, akin to expenses and card stability, and supply real-time highway security notifications, together with proximity to Silver Zones, College Zones, and bus lanes, by leveraging a satellite-based radio navigation system.

Extra security notifications, together with alerts on velocity digital camera zones, red-light and cellular cameras, can be rolled out down the highway. 

3. Why can’t the one-piece motorbike unit be utilized in automobiles?

The ERP 2.0 OBU has three components: a processing unit, an antenna, and a touchscreen show. The exception is for bikes, which can be geared up with single-piece OBUs—however why so?

With its enhanced capabilities, the OBU has a bigger computational energy, which implies the system will emit appreciable quantities of warmth, similar to a laptop computer would.

When a single-piece OBU is positioned in enclosed automobiles, the processing unit may probably overheat in Singapore’s local weather. Integrating a cooling fan into the unit would solely make the single-piece OBU bulkier, obstructing the view of drivers.

Take into consideration the physics of it: automobiles and industrial automobiles are like greenhouses as they’re enclosed environments with glass. The inside of a automobile can be a lot hotter when in comparison with bikes—actually, the dashboard of a automobile can go as excessive as 50 to 52 levels Celsius. 

However, bikes usually keep a comparatively secure temperature, even on scorching, sunny days. If the ambient temperature hovers round 35 levels Celsius, it sometimes stays constant because it doesn’t entice warmth like enclosed areas.

As such, the OBU is cut up into three separate models to accommodate automobiles and industrial automobiles, with the processing unit mounted away from the dashboard.

4. Is it secure to make use of the brand new OBU?

Acknowledging some motorists’ considerations in regards to the touchscreen show obstructing their view whereas driving, they’ve choices whether or not to put in the display screen and in that case, the mechanics will set up them such that the display screen might be folded down if most well-liked. 

Those that choose to not set up the show display screen can entry data by means of the ERP 2.0 cellular software.

Motorists have additionally raised considerations about having to bend all the way down to entry their CEPAS playing cards. Nevertheless, LTA has clarified that the OBU eliminates the necessity for motorists to take away their CEPAS playing cards from the processing unit whereas driving. 

They will additionally select their most well-liked placement of the processing unit, topic to the feasibility of their automobile’s make, mannequin, and situation. 

As soon as drivers begin their automobiles, the CEPAS card stability can be displayed, which reminds them to prime up their playing cards earlier than approaching the gantry. Whereas they’ll additionally go for auto top-up to replenish their card stability seamlessly, they’ll nonetheless manually reload their card after parking their automobile even with out signing up.

Immediately, all public and plenty of privately owned automobile parks use the Digital Parking System (EPS), which doesn’t require motorists to faucet their playing cards at automobile park terminal stations. 

For privately owned automobile parks that aren’t EPS enabled, NETS is offering all motorists who set up the OBU with a complimentary One Motoring Card instead. 

In circumstances when a complimentary parking ticket is accessible, drivers can merely press the on/off button on their touchscreen shows to deactivate the cardboard throughout the OBU. If the motorist forgets to reactivate the cardboard after exiting the automobile park, the right amount will nonetheless be deducted from the cardboard stability as soon as he passes by means of the subsequent energetic ERP gantry.

5. Why can’t we exchange the OBU system with a smartphone?

In line with LTA, the ERP 2.0 OBU is designed to offer excessive ranges of safety and security, which different programs could fall quick. 

Take a smartphone-based system, for example. With completely different smartphone fashions operating on completely different working programs and options, making certain the safety and reliability of such programs is usually a problem.

A smartphone-based system is a two-way transmission system, which exposes it to tampering threats and cybersecurity dangers. The OBU, however, transmits data a technique from the system to LTA’s programs. 

As well as, utilising a smartphone for ERP presents challenges as a result of its moveable nature. In contrast to the OBU, which is securely affixed to the automobile, smartphones are carried round and is probably not turned on or run out of battery whereas driving, which impacts the accuracy of the automobile location information. 

Because the OBU can decide up exact location information, it minimises the danger of faulty expenses and ensures that ERP transactions might be made steadily throughout completely different environments and automobiles. 

Featured Picture Credit score: Land Transport Authority