The idea of ERP and COE, in fact, any monetary disincentive that they put up in the future is not to discourage usage altogether but to re-distribute and to get rid of marginal cases who cannot compete for the limited resources. That is why the call for general major improvement in all other alternatives even for car owners and the curb on population growth.
You should read my other post where I mentioned we have to sacrifice usage in order to lower the cost of ownership.
Of course the way to achieve this is through monetary disincentive, again pushing the marginal users to the public system (I must add marginal users do not mean they are non-car owners). In fact if the whole transportation issue is tackled on all fronts simultaneously, the number of people who will need to compromise their desires may not be many and even for them, the alternatives may not be so unattractive. And overall for all commuters generally a less expensive way to travel.
The gov is not interested or have an interest to find commuter an alternative/cheaper mode of travel.
The gov wants to control certain behaviour that leads to traffic congestion.
Those who use their cars during the peak morning and evening hours are not 'marginal' in numbers.
These are the ones causing the problem which resulted in COE and ERPs.
Imagine if almost 50% would to buy their cars but these remain parked during the peak hours, would you have traffic congestion?
Sure, given the much higher prices to come, some , I say some, will move to public transport or restructure their travel pattern but the disincentive to use their cars now IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH to 'encourage' many to do so.
As I have said, if ERP were to be set at a rate of more than $10 a pop, you will see many will 1) find an alternative route ( which results in congestion in the out llying areas) or 2) restructure their time to pass thru the ERP ( which is what is desired) or 3) use public transport.
For the first not to happen , I say ERP all routes and charge a high rate.
We'll then see, who are the Sinkie who wants to own a car and still can pay for it!
