Introduction

In a surprising and eye-opening TikTok video, a Singaporean student calculates the staggering amount she spends just to drive to school, highlighting the exorbitant costs that come with car ownership in the city-state. With her detailed breakdown, she manages to rack up a whopping S$20.59 in expenses, and what’s more? That doesn’t even include the cost of fuel or electricity!

Breaking Down the Costs

The content creator, who shares insights on beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and travel, details her journey: “Every morning, I drive to school, and the first expense I face is the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees,” she explains. The first toll alone costs S$5, followed by an additional S$3. “That’s already S$8 right out of my pocket!”

The Parking Surprise

As she heads towards her school’s parking lot, the anticipation builds—her viewers are left in suspense about the final parking cost. When she arrives at the payment point, she reveals a staggering S$12.59 for parking for just a few hours. “That’s crazy!” she exclaims, calculating the total cost for her school commute. “So S$12 plus this morning’s S$8… I’ve paid about S$20 just to get to school, and that’s not even including fuel or electricity!”

A Humorous Conclusion

The student humorously concludes her video with a tongue-in-cheek message: “The moral of the story is don’t go to school, just stay at home.”

Viewer Reactions

However, her viewers weren’t amused by her apparent sarcasm. Many responded swiftly, urging her to consider public transportation, which is significantly cheaper. Comments flooded in, with one user advising, “The real moral of the story is to take public transport!" Another student chimed in, “Don’t skip school; just take the bus or MRT!”

The Bigger Picture

The student’s video has sparked a much-needed conversation about the high costs of car ownership in Singapore, which continues to climb higher. Owning a car in Singapore is often deemed more of a liability than an asset, especially considering the rising costs of ERP and parking. As the government pushes for more sustainable transport options, many are questioning whether it’s feasible to maintain a car amid escalating expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while driving may seem like a convenient option, the financial burden it entails may not justify the ease it affords. As urban centers like Singapore increasingly adopt environmentally friendly transport policies, it begs the question: Is public transport the future of commuting for students and young professionals alike?