Are COEs broken? How to fix Singapore’s car quota system

Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices are sky-high, tempers are running hotter, and Singapore’s transport policy is once again in the spotlight.

In this episode of TransportBT by The Business Times, host Derryn Wong is joined by associate professor Walter Theseira of the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Together, they take a hard look at the logic, politics and pain points behind the COE system.

If you’ve ever questioned whether the system still works and who it really works for—this one’s worth your time.

Why listen?

Because we need more than hot takes Prof Theseira doesn’t just comment on COE headlines. He advised the Land Transport Authority, contributed to international transport studies, and spent years researching Singapore’s car ownership model. If anyone can make sense of this, it’s him.

Because the Acting Transport Minister’s comments stirred real debate From private hire cars to system efficiency, Mr Jeffrey Siow’s remarks raised eyebrows. Wong and Prof Theseira dig into what was said, what was really meant, and what the public response tells us.

Because the public isn’t just reacting to prices—it’s reacting to fairness This episode doesn’t shy away from the emotional undertow. The duo examines how public sentiment is shaped by perceived inequality and whether the system can regain trust.

Because big ideas deserve airtime Prof Theseira floats bold suggestions, including phasing out COEs altogether and replacing upfront costs with pay-as-you-drive models. They won’t all land, but they’re designed to provoke smarter conversations.

Because transport policy affects everyone Whether you drive, ride, rent or wait endlessly for a Grab, this episode helps you understand the trade-offs shaping your daily journey.

TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents by The Business Times. Join Derryn Wong every month as he breaks down the headlines and the policy moves behind them for you. Listen now at bt.sg/podcasts. Got feedback or an idea for a future episode? Drop us a line at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

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Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@sph.com.sg)

With Walter Theseira, Associate Professor of Economics, Singapore University of Social Sciences

Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Howie Lim

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Share your thoughts with us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

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