ERP Charges in Singapore Explained: Save Money on Tolls 2025

Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) can add up quickly. Learn how the system works and strategies to minimize costs.

What is ERP?

ERP is Singapore's congestion pricing system. You pay tolls when passing through gantries during peak hours to reduce traffic congestion.

How ERP Works

In-Unit (IU): Device in rental car reads your CashCard
CashCard: Stored value card for payment
Gantries: Overhead sensors deduct charges
Real-time: Charges vary by time and traffic

ERP Charge Ranges 2025

Off-peak: $0.50-$1.50
Peak morning (7-9am): $1.50-$3.00
Peak evening (6-8pm): $1.50-$3.00
CBD charges: Highest rates $2-$3 per gantry

Major ERP Gantry Locations

CBD Entry Points

Bencoolen St, Victoria St, Crawford St
North Bridge Rd, South Bridge Rd
Charges: 7am-8pm weekdays

Expressways

PIE, CTE, AYE, ECP
Peak hours: 7-9:30am, 5-8pm
Charges: $0.50-$2.50

Orchard Road Area

Orchard Rd, Scotts Rd, Paterson Rd
Peak hours: 8:30am-9pm weekdays

Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Time Your Trips

Travel before 7am or after 8pm (free)
Lunch hours (12-1pm) often cheaper
Weekends have no ERP charges

2. Alternative Routes

Use Nicoll Highway instead of ECP
Take PIE outer ring vs city route
Accept 5-10 mins longer for $3-5 savings

3. Combine Errands

Group CBD trips together
Pay one charge for multiple stops
Plan efficient route through city

4. Use Public Transport for CBD

MRT to CBD, rent car for other areas
Avoid CBD altogether if possible
Save $10-15 per CBD trip

CashCard Management

Checking Balance

IU displays balance when car starts
Check at any 7-Eleven or Cheers
Top-up before it runs low

Top-Up Locations

AXS machines (malls, MRT stations)
7-Eleven, Cheers convenience stores
Post offices
Some petrol stations

Recommended Balance

Maintain $20-30 for peace of mind
Rental cars: Check before pickup
Low balance beeps = top-up immediately

Special ERP Considerations

Rental Cars

CashCard provided by rental company
You're responsible for topping up
Check balance daily
Return with reasonable balance

Cross-Border to Malaysia

ERP charges still apply going to checkpoint
VEP charges separate from ERP

Monthly ERP Cost Examples

Occasional CBD Driver

2-3 trips/month: $15-25
Mostly off-peak: $5-10

Daily Commuter (Expressway)

40 trips/month: $40-80
Peak hours: $80-120

CBD Daily Worker

40 trips/month: $120-180
Multiple gantries = higher costs

ERP-Free Alternatives

1. MRT + Car Combo

Park at MRT station ($0.65/ride)
Take train to CBD
Save $8-12 per trip

2. Off-Peak Scheduling

Start work at 7am (before ERP)
Leave after 8pm (after ERP)
Flexible hours = big savings

3. Weekend Trips Only

All ERP gantries free on weekends
Save 100% on tolls
Better for tourism anyway

Understanding ERP Rates

Rates change based on:

Traffic volume: Heavier traffic = higher rates
Time of day: Peak hours cost more
Location: CBD most expensive
Quarterly reviews: LTA adjusts rates

What If CashCard Runs Out?

No barrier: You can still pass through
Fine: $10 admin fee + ERP charge
Notice: Sent to registered owner
Rental cars: You'll be charged + processing fee

ERP Rate Checker Tools

One.Motoring website: Official ERP rates
LTA MyTransport app: Real-time rates
Google Maps: Shows ERP gantries on route
Waze: Community alerts for gantries

Rent smart, drive smart! Contact ClearPath Rentals for cars with working IU and CashCards.