Revamp Singapore's Certificate of Entitlement System
The Issue
Singapore's Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, established in 1990, was designed to regulate the number of vehicles on roads. However, over the years, the system has shown numerous inefficiencies and inequities, prompting the need for a comprehensive revamp.
Currently, the COE system is highly competitive, causing soaring car prices and making vehicle ownership a privilege only for the affluent. This has created a societal divide where only a fraction of Singaporeans can afford private transport. Coupled with fluctuating demand and supply, COE prices have become unpredictable, putting undue financial strain on middle- and lower-income families who are left without access to essential mobility options.
The current framework also fails to consider modern technological advancements such as detuned engines without much compromise to performance as well as rapidly evolving business landscape with private hire vehicles abound.
A reformed COE system should focus not only on controlling vehicle numbers but also supporting a transition to equitable and sustainable transportation. Practical steps include the following:
1) COE categories should be based on the Open Market Value (OMV) of the vehicles instead of the horsepower
2) Separate category for cars intended for commercial usage, in particular private hire vehicles.
3) Buyers of second or more cars should pay an additional tax on top of the COE
4) Implement a Pay-as-bid auction instead of a Uniform price auction
5) Administer a balloting system
6) Forbid dealers from bidding
Check out this video for a more comprehensive explanation regarding the above proposed solutions.
Additionally, transparency and predictability must be core components of the revamped system to allow all Singaporeans to plan their transport choices effectively and economically.
Revamping the COE system is not just about changing policy; it's about ensuring that transportation in Singapore is equitable, sustainable, and accessible for all.
Sign this petition to urge the Singapore government to undertake a comprehensive review and overhaul of the Certificate of Entitlement system, laying the groundwork for a transport policy that serves every citizen and supports our environmental commitments. Your voice matters—help make a difference today by signing this petition.
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The Issue
Singapore's Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, established in 1990, was designed to regulate the number of vehicles on roads. However, over the years, the system has shown numerous inefficiencies and inequities, prompting the need for a comprehensive revamp.
Currently, the COE system is highly competitive, causing soaring car prices and making vehicle ownership a privilege only for the affluent. This has created a societal divide where only a fraction of Singaporeans can afford private transport. Coupled with fluctuating demand and supply, COE prices have become unpredictable, putting undue financial strain on middle- and lower-income families who are left without access to essential mobility options.
The current framework also fails to consider modern technological advancements such as detuned engines without much compromise to performance as well as rapidly evolving business landscape with private hire vehicles abound.
A reformed COE system should focus not only on controlling vehicle numbers but also supporting a transition to equitable and sustainable transportation. Practical steps include the following:
1) COE categories should be based on the Open Market Value (OMV) of the vehicles instead of the horsepower
2) Separate category for cars intended for commercial usage, in particular private hire vehicles.
3) Buyers of second or more cars should pay an additional tax on top of the COE
4) Implement a Pay-as-bid auction instead of a Uniform price auction
5) Administer a balloting system
6) Forbid dealers from bidding
Check out this video for a more comprehensive explanation regarding the above proposed solutions.
Additionally, transparency and predictability must be core components of the revamped system to allow all Singaporeans to plan their transport choices effectively and economically.
Revamping the COE system is not just about changing policy; it's about ensuring that transportation in Singapore is equitable, sustainable, and accessible for all.
Sign this petition to urge the Singapore government to undertake a comprehensive review and overhaul of the Certificate of Entitlement system, laying the groundwork for a transport policy that serves every citizen and supports our environmental commitments. Your voice matters—help make a difference today by signing this petition.
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Petition created on 7 May 2025