SINGAPORE: The recent package of measures to manage Singapore's traffic congestion is all about trade-offs, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Lim Hwee Hua.

It also means deciding on the quality of life we want.

Mrs Lim made this point to the media on Sunday on the eve of the implementation of higher ERP rates, as well as five new gantries at the Singapore River area.

She was at the launch of Aljunied Connect for Estates where a helpline is being provided to private estate residents who need help with maintenance issues.

When asked if the ERP system is the only way to ease congestion, Mrs Lim said it is a matter of balance.

"If we can persuade more people to use public transportation, that would be a very good outcome. We're not getting everyone off the roads," she said.

She added that it is a holistic approach that encompasses improving transport services and controlling car population by reducing the number of certificates of entitlement given out.

"What I think this whole package says is that there are a lot of trade-offs that have to be made. At the end of it, we will have to decide whether our time... the quality of life is more important," Mrs Lim said.

The latest changes to the ERP infrastructure in Singapore are the most extensive since the system was set up a decade ago.


- CNA/so