With Singapore’s public transport system levelling up and ride-hailing apps now the norm, driving your own car is no longer the symbol of freedom and independence it once was, says Annie Tan.
SINGAPORE: You might still remember surreal scenes of empty roads in the city centre at the height of COVID-19. Many environmentalists hailed it the “great reset” for our planet.
road tax, insurance premiums, parking, petrol, maintenance and repairs, it could cost more each month to own a car than raise a child here., as announced in the Feb 14 Budget speech.Commentary: Taxing the wealthy makes sense when there is little room for higher income tax or GST At that time, my dad’s taxi doubled up as our family vehicle, opening our world up to many otherwise inaccessible places - an after-school drive through the winding roads leading to Upper Peirce Reservoir, an excursion to Jurong Bird Park at weekends, and the occasional trip to Changi Airport for plane-spotting. It was also a sanctuary at the end of each trip where we often fell asleep in the backseat.
We have progressed since. For one, Singapore’s public transport system has levelled up considerably. Today, we have, and are looking to add two new ones - the Jurong Regional Line and the Cross Island Line.
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