MOST motorists will get a small 'hongbao' of sorts from Feb 2, when electronic road-pricing (ERP) rates at several gantries are cut.

In its latest quarterly review of ERP rates, the Land Transport Authority said cars passing the Central Expressway gantry just after Ang Mo Kio will be charged $2 for the 8.30 am to 9am slot on weekdays, down 50 cents.

Westbound cars on the Pan-Island Expressway near Kallang Bahru will get to travel free between 7.30am and 8am on weekdays. They have to pay 50 cents now.

Next, another gantry on the westbound side of the PIE near Eunos Link will have its 7am to 7.30am rate halved to $1 on weekdays.

Likewise, shoppers get a reprieve on Saturdays, when the Bugis-Marina Centre Cordon's rate is halved to $1 between 3pm and 5pm.

Motorists joining Bendemeer Road from the sliproad off PIE (Tuas) will also get a break. The gantry here will be off for the duration of the Woodsville junction upgrading works, which is slated to complete in 2011.

They will, however, still have to face a relocated gantry in Bendemeer Road.

Traffic going east on the East Coast Parkway are the only ones who won't get a hongbao.

Rates for the gantry near Marina South and another on the slip road from Ophir Road will be $2 between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on weekdays. They are now $1.50.

Observers said the reduced rates reflect lighter traffic load on most roads as the economic slowdown sinks in. Transportation of goods and services, as well as taxi numbers, have fallen. And individual motorists have cut back on discretionary trips.

The next quarterly ERP review will take place in May 2009.