Introduction

SINGAPORE: The escalating prices of Certificates of Entitlement (COEs), essential documents that allow ownership of cars, have ignited heated debates among Singaporeans as the General Election in 2025 approaches. A recent post on Reddit highlighted this pivotal issue, sparking varied opinions across the community.

Government's Strategy

A Reddit user expressed confusion over the government's strategy in handling soaring COE prices, which can reach close to S$100,000 for cars, excluding motorcycles. The cost of car ownership in Singapore is notoriously high, largely due to the rigorous regulation of the vehicle population in the city-state.

Public Sentiment

The Reddit author reflected on growing discontent among citizens regarding the narrative pushed by the transport ministry that private hire vehicle (PHV) companies are predominantly responsible for the rising COE prices. This sparked significant debate online, with many users disagreeing. One upvoted commenter articulated, “Why do people not understand that high COE prices are a feature, not a bug?” suggesting that the high COE prices are by design to regulate car ownership, reducing congestion in an urban environment.

Young Singaporeans' Perspective

Another interesting perspective came from younger Singaporeans who view car ownership as an important life milestone. This cohort finds the surging COE costs to be particularly daunting as they aspire to own vehicles as symbols of success and independence.

Consequences of Easing COE Restrictions

In contrast, some users highlighted potential downsides of easing COE restrictions. One commentator warned that if the entire population were to own cars, it would quickly turn Singapore into 'the world’s largest parking lot,' mitigating the very convenience that driving offers. Another user noted that the COE system effectively controls traffic conditions, minimizing congestion and enabling smoother commutes.

Public Transport Criticism

Nevertheless, supporters of car ownership argued that certain areas of Singapore are inadequately served by public transport, pointing out that hidden gems and attractions require a car to reach. Criticism of the public transport system was also prevalent, with several commenters asserting that it has declined over the years, leading to extended travel times. One user lamented that it now takes him over an hour to commute to work daily.

Conclusion

As the discourse continues, it’s evident that the high COE prices will remain a pivotal issue ahead of GE2025, with advocates on both sides of the argument making valid points about the future of transportation in Singapore. The question remains: how will policymakers address these varying concerns amidst the upcoming elections?