First, at the rate that gantries are set up today, it is not surprising that drivers are unprepared when they come across a new gantry. The natural knee-jerk reactions of drivers to suddenly insert their Cashcards while driving is dangerous.

Second, as drivers, we are constantly worried about having sufficient funds in the Cashcard and whether we have inserted the Cashcard in the IU. Also, we need to remember to take the Cashcard out of the IU unit so as not to attract thieves.

Third, many top-up stations have been set up for the sole purpose of Cashcard top-ups.

Today, every car is equipped with a unique IU, and hence every car is identifiable when it passes an ERP gantry. There is no reason why ERP charges cannot be collected through a centralised pre-paid or a post-paid card.

To be more specific, a tie-up with payment processing companies such as NETS, or the credit card companies will suffice.

While we promote a cashless society, stored value cards should be used at more points of payment.

Kenneth Soh