ERP charges to resume at 11 locations in Orchard Road area from Sept 7 to ease congestion

Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges will resume at 11 key locations along the Orchard Road area in Singapore starting September 7, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The move aims to alleviate persistent traffic congestion in one of the city’s busiest commercial districts. The resumption marks the first time ERP charges will be applied in the area since their suspension in April 2020 amid the global pandemic. The LTA announced the decision in a statement released on August 31, citing ongoing traffic issues in the region. According to the authority, congestion has continued since October 2025, with traffic speeds consistently falling below the recommended range of 20 km/h to 30 km/h for arterial roads. To mitigate these conditions, drivers entering the Orchard Cordon between 11 am and 7 pm on weekdays will face a charge of $1 per entry. The affected areas include Buyong Road, Cairnhill Road, Clemenceau Avenue, Killiney Road, Kramat Road, Orchard Link, Orchard Road, Orchard Turn, Oxley Road, YMCA, and Fort Canning Tunnel. The LTA emphasized that its decision was based on continuous monitoring of traffic patterns. While the focus initially lies on weekday operations, the authority noted that traffic speeds on Saturdays in the same area have also remained suboptimal since October 2025. LTA officials stated they would evaluate the need to extend ERP operations to weekends in the coming months. The resumption comes after nearly six years without ERP charges in the area. During the pandemic, the system was temporarily halted to reduce movement and support public health measures. Since then, traffic dynamics have shifted significantly, prompting authorities to reassess the necessity of ERP in managing congestion. In addition to the Orchard Road area, the LTA highlighted other concerns regarding traffic flow. Heavy congestion has been recorded on parts of the Central Expressway (CTE), particularly near the AYE junction before Braddell Road. These bottlenecks have persisted into the late morning on weekdays, indicating broader challenges in managing urban mobility. The LTA warned that further adjustments could be made depending on how traffic evolves. If congestion continues to worsen, the authority indicated it might expand ERP operating hours beyond the current schedule. This flexibility underscores the dynamic nature of traffic management strategies in response to real-time data. Residents and business operators in the Orchard Road vicinity have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. Some welcomed the initiative as necessary to curb overcrowding and improve travel efficiency, while others voiced concerns about potential increases in commuting costs. Local merchants acknowledged the need for better traffic control but urged authorities to balance enforcement with economic considerations. The LTA reiterated its commitment to monitoring the impact of the new ERP regime. Officials plan to review traffic conditions regularly and make informed decisions about future modifications. This approach aligns with broader efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure and ensure sustainable urban development. As of now, the implementation of ERP charges in the Orchard Road area is set to begin on September 7. The move reflects a strategic effort to address long-standing traffic challenges and adapt to changing urban demands.