SINGAPORE: A recent discussion on Reddit has ignited a debate among locals regarding the rising prices of Certificates of Entitlement (COEs)—necessary documents for car ownership in Singapore—a hot topic as the country prepares for the General Election in 2025.

In a post dated March 23, a local Reddit user expressed frustration over the spiraling COE prices, which can soar to nearly S$100,000 for cars, while motorcycles enjoy somewhat lower rates. The user questioned the government’s approach to this pressing concern, indicating a disconnect between policymakers and the public.

Singapore is notorious for its exorbitant costs associated with owning a vehicle, driven by stringent regulations controlling the number of cars on the road due to the city-state's compact size. The situation has left many potential car owners contemplating the significant financial burden of both the vehicle itself and the COE.

One of the key grievances highlighted is the perception that private hire vehicle (PHV) companies, such as Uber and Grab, are primarily responsible for the inflated COE prices. This claim has drawn skepticism, with users pointing out that while PHVs contribute to higher demand, they are not the sole culprits. “The government risks losing votes if they continue to ignore the public’s concerns,” one commenter warned.

Responses to the Reddit post varied widely, reflecting a spectrum of opinions on the COE system. While some users defended high COE prices as a necessary feature to prevent congestion—“Imagine if everyone could drive; Singapore would become a massive parking lot!”—others lamented the difficulties young people face in achieving car ownership, viewing it as a significant milestone.

The convenience of car ownership was another focal point of the debate. Supporters emphasized the comfort and privacy that come with driving, asserting that public transport options do not adequately serve all areas. Many highlighted that Singapore’s public transport system has not seen improvements in recent years, with one user lamenting that it takes him over an hour to commute to work each day.

As discussions continue on platforms like Reddit, it’s clear that the COE prices and the accompanying policies will be pivotal issues in the run-up to the next General Election. With Singapore’s unique challenges regarding urban transport, the question remains: how will policymakers address these concerns, and will voters hold them accountable in 2025?