The Daily Ketchup What Singaporeans get WRONG about the COE debate (FIXED!!)
Jul 29, 2025
Dive into the hot debate surrounding Singapore's Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system! Explore whether the government should control car ownership or let the highest bidders win. Discover the complexities of public transport versus car ownership, and hear about innovative alternatives like e-bikes. The discussion also touches on the implications of meritocracy and social mobility in the context of vehicle access. Plus, insights into the future of transportation with self-driving cars and urban mobility solutions.
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The High Cost of COE
- Singapore's COE system controls car ownership by requiring a high cash bid for a certificate to own a car.
- Additional taxes and fees substantially increase the total cost, making car ownership very expensive.
Market Bidding Favors the Wealthy
- The current COE system prioritizes market bidding, which means wealthier individuals gain better access.
- This raises concerns about fairness for those with genuine need but less financial means.
Support Transport for Vulnerable Groups
- Policymakers should provide alternative transport options for those who need cars but cannot efficiently use public transit.
- Consider subsidies for service providers offering transport to disabled or vulnerable groups who can't drive themselves.