You can now have your very own Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantry at home! To be more exact, it is a miniature version of the gantry. As the ERP gantry has become a unique landmark on the streets of Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has specially transformed the ubiquitous ERP gantries into mini-souvenirs.
These include an ERP gantry digital table clock, a mug and a set of coasters. The mug is the one which interests me the most. When it is filled with warm water, the words ‘In Operation’ will become visible on the gantries. From the article, an LTA spokesperson says, ‘Many foreign visitors had always bring a souvenir which could represent Singapore back home, and a design inspired by the ERP will serve this purpose.’
Now, if you are wondering where to get these souvenirs, it can be obtained from the Land Transport Gallery at 1 Hampshire Road. However, these souvenirs do not come cheap. The digital clock costs $20, and the mug and set of coasters would each set you back by $10. However, you can do your part for charity as proceedings from the sale will be donated to the LTA Cares Fund, which provides transport subsidies for the poor and disabled.
This article appeared in Lianhe Zaobao on 6 May 2009.