Netizens mock LTA’s ‘poor excuse’ over defending new OBU bulky 3-piece design

The introduction of the new On-Board Unit (OBU) design in the Electronic Road Pricing 2.0 (ERP 2.0) system certainly sparked controversy and confusion among Singaporean motorists, with many having voiced their frustration over the inconvenience caused by the new OBU design for cars.

A citizen-led petition on Change.org has called for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to halt and reevaluate the new OBU, citing significant concerns regarding driver safety and operational convenience.

The new card reader for the OBU is now situated under the dashboard near the front passenger seat, significantly different from its previous location on the dashboard in front of the driver.

This change has caused users to struggle with inserting and removing their CashCard.

Despite facing backlash, LTA has seemingly defended the new design.

In an explanatory video posted on Monday (29 April), they explained the rationale behind the OBU for cars being composed of three pieces, with the processing unit mounted away from the dashboard.

In contrast, OBUs intended for motorcycles come as single-piece units, which are notably more convenient and less bulky, occupying less space.

According to the video, LTA clarified that the one-piece OBU for motorcycles is designed to withstand outdoor conditions.

However, in the enclosed space of a car interior, temperatures can soar, often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, especially when the car is parked under direct sunlight.

LTA further explained that the processing unit of the OBU, akin to a mini-computer, cannot function reliably under such high temperatures.

Hence, it cannot be mounted on the dashboard area of a car. The footwell area offers lower temperatures, providing a more suitable environment.

“Imagine leaving your phone on a hot dashboard for hours, reliability and performance would definitely be affected,” the video caption wrote.

“That’s why for vehicles other than motorcycles, the OBU is designed as a 3-piece unit with the processing unit mounted away from the dashboard, while the antenna remains on the dashboard to communicate with gantries and satellite.”

Netizens question LTA’s logic behind varied OBU designs for cars and motorcycles

Observing the comment section on LTA’s Facebook page reveals widespread puzzlement among netizens regarding LTA’s explanation, with some criticizing it as a ‘poor excuse’ that fails to convince.

Questions abound about whether LTA truly comprehends public needs, especially considering that the ERP 1.0 in-vehicle unit (IU) faces no heating issues and is a single-piece unit, which many find notably more convenient than the new design.

One comment highlighted that the OBU technology seems outdated, and urged LTA should consider implementing simpler devices that can handle functions like processing cash cards and providing easy access for drivers.

They implied that if LTA cannot improve upon the existing system, it would be preferable to stick with the older ERP 1.0 system, which they imply was satisfactory to them and others.

Netizen challenges LTA’s explanation for differential OBU performance

A netizen questioned LTA why the one-piece unit for motorcycles, which presumably contains similar technology, can withstand heat while the new OBU for cars cannot.

“It is just wind screen glass separating the unit and SKY. Not a technical expert but i think is simple logic. ”

In response, LTA reiterated the heating issue when place inside car, asserted that it is necessary to place the processing unit away from the dashboard to prevent overheating issues.

The netizen remained dissatisfied, highlighting the resilience of other car components, like car cameras, which are also “mini computers” and can withstand high temperatures when mounted on the windshield.

“If the processing unit is of poor heat resistant. It is a fire hazard to even place at the passenger leg area, ” the netizen continued. He reiterated drivers’ concerns about the inconvenience of reaching the passenger seat to retrieve the Cash card.

LTA’s repeated emphasis on in-car temperature challenges

In response, LTA affirmed that drivers have the option to choose the location for the processing unit, including placing it on the driver’s side, depending on the model and design of their vehicle.

When netizens pressed LTA on why cars couldn’t have the single-piece OBU unit like motorcycles, LTA’s responses in their Facebook comment section seemed to repeatedly cite temperature issues inside the car as the explanation.

Some individuals also challenged LTA, questioning whether they were implying that the new OBU design was not as heat resistant as the ERP 1.0 In-vehicle Unit (IU).

Netizens: Is LTA suggesting new OBU Is less heat resistant than the old IU?

Several comments have noted that the current IU shows no signs of heat-related issues. They question whether LTA is implying that the old technology is significantly superior to the “new” technology, or if the designs are simply inadequate.

These observations prompt suggestions that the heat-related concerns should have been addressed during the initial stages of design planning.

A comment also highlighted the danger posed by a non-heat-resistant OBU and suggested that the system is outdated, questioning whether a pilot test was not conducted before implementation and urging those in charge to make changes to ensure the system’s sustainability for the next 20 years.

He emphasized the importance of considering both end users’ experiences and safety, and urged LTA to revise the current arrangement.

“Have LTA listen to motorists’ needs?”

Others also questioned the LTA whether they have taken into account the perspectives and needs of the end users who will be living with the implementation of the new system indefinitely.

Netizens’ mockery: Proposal for external OBU installation to counter temperature concerns

Some netizens have even ridiculed the explanation, suggesting that if temperature is indeed the issue, perhaps LTA could install a one-piece OBU unit mounted outside the car, which could potentially resolve the heating problem if placed on the car’s dashboard.