JOHOR BARU: At a minute past midnight, the Singapore government started imposing the new toll charges for all vehicles, except motorcycles, leaving the republic through the Causeway today.
Up to yesterday, there was no indication that the republic's Land Transport Authority (LTA), would back down or postpone their Oct 1 date following several meetings with the Malaysian government.
The new toll rate for cars has increased from the previous SG$1.20 to SG$3.80 (RM3.03 to RM9.62), while vans and light goods vehicles saw a hike from SG$1.90 to SG$5.80.
The new rates for taxis and buses will increase from SG$0.60 and SG$1 to SG$1.90 and SG$3.10, respectively.
As an estimate, the new toll rates on Singapore’s side is about a three-fold increase, to match Malaysia’s implementation of higher toll rates since Aug 1.
Last week, the Malaysian government had offered an explanation and justification on the toll increase for all vehicles entering Singapore via the Causeway at the Sultan Iskandar Building's Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex here.
Singapore decided to increase its exit toll and also add another entry toll in what is described as a tit-for-tat move by Malaysians following the increase on Johor's side of the Causeway.
However, toll charges at the Second Link remain unchanged.
In a statement last month, the Singapore LTA said the new rates were in tandem with the republic’s long-standing policy of matching toll charges at the Causeway and Second Link to those set by Malaysia.
For foreign-registered cars, including Malaysian cars, Singapore’s Causeway entry toll (entering Singapore from Johor) will be recorded in the LTA’s toll system and displayed to motorists upon entry.
Payment will be deducted only upon leaving Singapore (whether through the Causeway or Second Link), together with the exit toll, Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges (if any).
This will be the same as the existing practice for the Second Link entry toll.
The LTA statement noted that Singapore will follow suit should Malaysia reduce or do away with the toll charges.