IVU Design related local news

On today's TODAY news paper's VOICE, a reader wrote about how an accident happened when a driver in front of her car come to a complete stop just right before the ERP gentry (obviously trying to insert the Cash Card into the IVU). She managed to slow down, but the cars behind did not. The driver in front simply drove off after causing the accident.

On today's TV news broadcast, wind screen of FIVE cars in a local multi-story car park was smashed, the IVU was pull out and the car owner found their Cash Card lost.

LTA still taking their own sweet time to due with these 'small issue'. Obviously anothe typical Singapore government's way of handling things: looking at 'bigger picture' (which could earn them more credits?). Why like that one?

LTA Replys on the IVU design

ok, got the reply from the LTA via phone regarding the proposed IVU design (see below). Well, was told that they will look into it, but the coming design would not have what I mentioned, why like that one? At least hide the cash card first lah... but, at least I get to spoke to a 'real person' and not receiving the 'standard reply mail', I am happy with it :-)

Ah, also told them about the link's problem and now at least I can provide 'feedback' and not 'forced' to send in 'compliments'....

Only the 'compliments' link is working on LTA website

I was trying to send the feedback/suggestion regarding the IVU design to LTA, but, hmmm... all the other email links in the LTA web-site for feedback are not working. I tried a few times and it keep saying: "Error: Sorry, your request cannot be processed now. Please try again later. ".

Only the 'Compliments' link is working - Why like that one? Are we suppose to send in only the compliments to LTA?

New IVU design should look into security and safety too

I read with interest the second news release regarding the plan to improve the IVU. However, while I am very pleased with it will allows the device to automatically top-up the amount when user passing the ERP gantry when its stored amount runs low, I am very disappointed that all parties involved in improving the system and device still overlook and did not include a very simple and small, but useful and important feature in the new design: Is there any significant to expose the card inserted into the IVU when it is in used, why can’t it be covered up? If the main purpose of the ERP method is to collect the payments, why can’t it be designed with a card (or do away the card totally) which fixed and link to the vehicle registration number internally for deduction when vehicle passing through the ERP or car park gantries?

A small improvement would not only help to reduce the vehicle break-ins as well as curb the possibilities of people abusing the system, it also help the drivers to avoid fine due to forgotten to insert the card. Most importantly, it will also help reduce accidents due to some drivers attempt to insert the card when near to the gantry.

(Note: Letter posted to Strait Times Forum and Today's Voices. 01/03/2007)