After testing various technological solutions between June 2011 and December 2012, four consortiums have submitted proposals for a satellite-based ERP system, reported The Straits Times. The four consortiums comprise of Kapsch TrafficCom, MHI Engine System Asia & NCS, ST Electronics (Info-Comm Systems) & IBM Singapore, and Watchdata Technologies & Beijing Watchdata System.
Currently dubbed as the next-generation ERP, the tracking system is still several years away from implementation and according to Transport Minister, Lui Tuck Yew, will charge motorists based on distance travelled on congested roads.
A spokesman for the LTA said submitted proposals are being studied and could form the base for the new system. He added more time is needed to review and evaluate the performance (of the proposals), before concluding on a final decision. Factors such as cost, design and accuracy are primary concerns when judging for a conclusion.
Each consortium has received $1 million in funding to develop the Global Navigation Satellite System-based solution that could be used for ERP in Singapore's urban environment. More than just theory, live demonstration tests were carried out by the consortiums - where their proposals were deployed in real traffic environment - on more than 100 vehicles, with each staying on the road for an average of about 40 days.
The consortiums also proposed and tested techniques to ease the 'urban canyon' effect to track vehicles more accurately in areas with tall buildings that could interfere with satellite signals. These included placing beacons at roadside kerbs and detectors on street lights.
Associate Professor Lee Der Horng from the National University of Singapore said the accuracy of signals in the city area is a primary concern as a vehicle's precise location is necessary to calculate pricing. Replying to the Professor's comments, the LTA spokesman cited positioning augmentation techniques will be implemented to ensure the planned charging scheme will work in areas with tall buildings.
