Saturday's Straits Times sort of ticked me off a little. On the front page were two article - one on high COE prices and the other mentioned that the SMRT and SBS Transit would extend train services for the marathon. So I sent emails to ST Forum expressing my thoughts. Here they are:
1. Regular extended train services, not just for marathon
While it is commendable that the SMRT and SBS Transit support the Standard Chartered marathon with overnight train services for participants to make the early morning start, it begs the question why these national transport providers cannot do the same on weekends or on the eve of all national holidays. Regular extended services would generally benefit most residents as opposed to this one-time effort for those involved in a sporting event. Perhaps the Public Transport Council can look into such an initiative.
2. Should only the rich own a car?
Saturday's Straits Times report on the expected demand for more expensive, high-end cars is a blow for the aspirations of Singapore's middle class. This consequence of fewer COEs and other factors serves to reinforce the notion that only the rich will be able to afford a car. There needs to be a fairer system of COE distribution, one not pegged to a large bank account but one based on needs. In my opinion, drivers who are parents with 2 or more children, those with extended families or aged parents themselves, or those looking after the disabled should get priority. To reduce demand further, it might be wise impose double the price of a COE for households seeking a second car, and so on. If the government is serious about reducing the car population, measures taken cannot purely be to the advantage of a select segment of society.
What do you think?
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