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Instead of overcomplicating COE system, Govt has ensured affordable transport for all: SM Lee to Jamus Lim

In a detailed discussion on Singapore's transport policies, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed concerns raised by Workers’ Party Member of Parliament (MP) Jamus Lim regarding the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. The exchange highlighted the government’s approach to ensuring affordable and accessible transport for all Singaporeans while managing the challenges of car ownership in a densely populated city-state. SM Lee emphasized that rather than overcomplicating the COE system with intricate tweaks or exemptions, the government has focused on creating a comprehensive and equitable public transport network as a viable alternative to private car ownership. This approach, he argued, addresses the broader goal of mobility and accessibility without exacerbating issues like congestion and inequality.

SM Lee acknowledged the concerns surrounding the COE system, which is a mechanism used in Singapore to control the number of vehicles on the road by requiring individuals to bid for a limited number of permits to own a car. The system has often been criticized for driving up the cost of car ownership, making it unaffordable for many. MP Jamus Lim, in his critique, suggested potential refinements to the system, possibly including measures to make COEs more accessible to certain groups or to adjust the bidding process to mitigate the financial burden on lower- and middle-income households. While SM Lee recognized the intent behind such suggestions, he cautioned against introducing excessive complexity into the system. He argued that creating exemptions or special categories within the COE framework could lead to unintended consequences, such as loopholes that might be exploited or new forms of inequity. Instead, he reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a straightforward and transparent system that prioritizes fairness and efficiency.

Central to SM Lee’s response was the government’s long-standing policy of prioritizing public transport as the backbone of Singapore’s mobility strategy. He highlighted the extensive investments made in the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, buses, and other forms of public transportation over the years. These efforts, he noted, have been aimed at ensuring that Singaporeans, regardless of income level, have access to reliable and affordable means of getting around the city. By focusing on public transport, the government seeks to reduce reliance on private cars, which not only helps manage traffic congestion but also addresses environmental concerns such as air pollution and carbon emissions. SM Lee pointed out that the public transport system in Singapore is designed to be a world-class alternative to car ownership, with ongoing expansions and improvements to meet the growing needs of the population.

SM Lee also touched on the broader philosophy behind Singapore’s transport policies, which balance individual aspirations with collective needs. While owning a car is often seen as a symbol of personal success or convenience, he stressed that in a small and densely populated country like Singapore, unrestricted car ownership is neither sustainable nor practical. The COE system, though imperfect in the eyes of some, serves as a necessary tool to limit the number of vehicles on the road and prevent the kind of gridlock seen in other major cities around the world. By curbing the growth of car numbers, the government ensures that roads remain usable for essential purposes, including public transport and emergency services. SM Lee underscored that this approach reflects a pragmatic trade-off: while not everyone can afford a car under the current system, the majority of Singaporeans benefit from a transport ecosystem that prioritizes accessibility and efficiency over individual car ownership.

In addressing MP Jamus Lim’s concerns about affordability, SM Lee elaborated on how the government has worked to keep public transport costs manageable for all income groups. He highlighted various schemes and subsidies that help lower-income households cope with transport expenses, ensuring that mobility remains within reach for everyone. These measures, he argued, are a more effective way to address inequality than altering the COE system in ways that might disproportionately benefit certain groups or create new challenges in implementation. By focusing on subsidies and enhancements to public transport, the government aims to create a level playing field where access to mobility does not depend on one’s ability to afford a private vehicle.

Furthermore, SM Lee emphasized the importance of long-term planning in Singapore’s transport strategy. He noted that the government continuously monitors and adjusts policies to respond to changing demographics, urban development, and technological advancements. For instance, the rise of ride-hailing services and the potential for autonomous vehicles in the future are factors that could reshape the transport landscape. However, he cautioned that any changes to the COE system or broader transport policies must be carefully considered to avoid disrupting the delicate balance between supply and demand for road space. The government’s role, he asserted, is to anticipate these shifts and ensure that the transport system remains sustainable and inclusive over the long term.

SM Lee also took the opportunity to address the perception that the COE system is inherently unfair or exclusionary. He acknowledged that the high cost of COEs can be frustrating for those who aspire to own a car but find it financially out of reach. However, he argued that the system is not designed to favor the wealthy but rather to manage a scarce resource—road space—in a way that benefits the entire population. By limiting the number of cars, the government prevents the kind of congestion that would make daily commutes unbearable for everyone, including those who rely on public transport. He urged Singaporeans to view the COE system not as a barrier to personal aspirations but as part of a broader framework that prioritizes the common good over individual desires.

In conclusion, SM Lee’s response to MP Jamus Lim encapsulated the government’s overarching philosophy on transport policy in Singapore. Rather than overhauling or overcomplicating the COE system with targeted exemptions or adjustments, the focus remains on strengthening public transport as the primary mode of mobility for the majority of residents. This approach, he argued, ensures that transport remains affordable and accessible to all, while also addressing critical issues like congestion and environmental sustainability. By maintaining a balance between individual needs and collective benefits, the government aims to create a transport system that serves the needs of a modern, densely populated city-state. SM Lee’s remarks underscored the importance of pragmatism and long-term vision in policymaking, reflecting Singapore’s commitment to equity and efficiency in its approach to urban mobility. His detailed explanation provided a comprehensive defense of the current system while acknowledging the challenges and aspirations of Singaporeans, reinforcing the government’s dedication to finding solutions that work for the entire population rather than just a select few. Through this dialogue, it became evident that the government views public transport not just as a practical necessity but as a cornerstone of social equity and urban planning in Singapore.

Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/instead-of-overcomplicating-coe-system-govt-has-ensured-affordable-transport-for-all-sm-lee-to-jamus ]