Faced with extended Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) hours from July 7, 10 out of 18 drivers interviewed told The Straits Times that they plan to change their routines after knocking off to avoid the tolls.

CBD gantries will operate until 8pm, an hour later than now. Five new gantries will also go up along the Singapore River, which will charge motorists headed towards the City Hall and Bugis areas.

Mrs Janice MacDonald, 33, who lives in Bedok, plans to have dinner near her office at Shenton Way instead of riding her motorbike to City Hall. 'Even if I really have to go there, I will take the MRT and come back for my bike later,' said Ms MacDonald, a senior account manager.

The upcoming ERP changes are the most extensive since the system started 10 years ago. Besides extended charging hours in the city, ERP rates will also go up at all 37 gantries in the CBD.

Most businesses in the area said they have no immediate plans to extend their opening hours.

Cinema operators Golden Village and Cathay said they will not rejig their movie showtimes. Now, most weekday evening movies start between 7pm and 8pm.

The Esplanade, which holds concerts and theatre performances from around 7.30pm, said it is still too early to tell how patrons will react. But it did not think the changes would be a significant deterrent to its patrons.

CapitaLand Retail, which owns Bugis Junction and Funan DigitaLife Mall, among other malls, said it will monitor the situation before making any changes to opening hours.

The more expensive ERP rates could drive customers to businesses outside the city centre.

Auditor Joshua Koh, 25, said he might steer clear of the CBD altogether. 'I can go to Holland Village or VivoCity for dinner instead,' he said.

While motorists like him plan to adjust their after-work routines, there are others who will not, either because they are used to driving or because they do not want to stay out later.

Mr Teo Chee Beng, 52, said he does not plan to leave his office later just to beat the ERP charges, even though he thinks the extended hours run counter to the idea of family bonding.

'It's not exactly fair...but I'll pay $1 more to be with my family,' said Mr Teo.

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