ERP Surcharges on Taxis: What You Pay in Singapore

A detailed breakdown of how Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) surcharges are applied to taxi fares in Singapore, including pass-through rates, time-based rules, and how they affect your total trip cost.

When you take a taxi in Singapore, the fare displayed on the meter is not the final amount you pay. One of the most common additions is the ERP surcharge, a pass-through cost that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) allows taxi operators to collect from passengers when the taxi passes through an ERP gantry during a trip. This surcharge is separate from the base ERP fee that the taxi driver pays to LTA. Understanding how this surcharge works, when it applies, and how much you can expect to pay can help you avoid surprises at the end of your ride.

ERP rates in Singapore vary by location, time of day, and vehicle type. For taxis, the rules are slightly different from private cars. Taxis are exempt from ERP charges on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and also during off-peak hours on weekdays. However, when ERP is in effect, the taxi operator pays the gantry fee and then passes that cost to the passenger through a surcharge. The amount you pay is not always a direct 1:1 pass-through. Different taxi companies have different surcharge structures, and there are also time-based rules that determine whether the surcharge is applied at all.

How ERP Surcharges Work for Taxis

The ERP surcharge on a taxi fare is governed by rules set by the LTA and implemented by each taxi company. The basic principle is that if a taxi passes through an ERP gantry during a period when ERP is active, the passenger pays an additional amount on top of the metered fare. However, the LTA allows taxi operators to charge a surcharge that is either a fixed amount per gantry passage or a percentage of the ERP fee paid by the driver, depending on the company's policy.

For example, as of 2025, ComfortDelGro taxis apply a surcharge of 100% of the ERP fee paid by the driver. If the driver pays $1.00 at a gantry, the passenger pays an additional $1.00. SMRT taxis also apply a 100% pass-through. However, some smaller operators may use a fixed surcharge per gantry, typically between $0.50 and $1.00, regardless of the actual ERP fee. It is important to note that the surcharge is added per gantry passage. If your taxi passes through three ERP gantries during a single trip, you will pay the surcharge three times.

The surcharge is applied only if the taxi passes through the gantry while the ERP is in operation. If the gantry is not charging (for example, after 8:00 PM on a weekday or on a Sunday), no surcharge is added. The driver's in-vehicle unit (IU) records the gantry passages, and the meter automatically adds the surcharge to the fare. You can see the surcharge itemised on the receipt as "ERP Surcharge" or "ERP Fee."

ERP Surcharge Rates by Taxi Company

Each taxi company in Singapore publishes its ERP surcharge policy. Below is a summary of the current rates for the major operators.

ComfortDelGro: 100% of the ERP fee paid by the driver. For example, if the driver pays $2.00 at a gantry, the passenger pays $2.00. This applies to all Comfort and CityCab taxis.
SMRT: 100% of the ERP fee paid by the driver. SMRT taxis follow the same structure as ComfortDelGro.
Premier Taxis: A fixed surcharge of $0.70 per gantry passage, regardless of the actual ERP fee. This means even if the driver pays $0.50 or $3.00, the passenger pays a flat $0.70.
Trans-Cab: 100% of the ERP fee paid by the driver, with a cap of $2.00 per gantry. If the ERP fee exceeds $2.00, the passenger pays only $2.00.
Prime Taxi: A fixed surcharge of $0.50 per gantry passage.
GrabTaxi: For rides booked through the Grab app, the ERP surcharge is passed through at 100% of the fee paid by the driver, but it is included in the upfront fare estimate. For street-hail trips, the surcharge follows the taxi company's policy.

These rates are subject to change. The LTA reviews ERP rates quarterly, and taxi companies may adjust their surcharge policies accordingly. Always check the taxi company's website or the LTA's official information for the latest rates.

When ERP Surcharges Apply and When They Do Not

ERP gantries operate at specific times on weekdays and Saturdays. The gantries are inactive on Sundays and public holidays. For taxis, the LTA exempts them from ERP charges on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. This means that even if a taxi passes through a gantry on a Saturday morning, the driver does not pay the ERP fee, and therefore no surcharge is passed to the passenger.

On weekdays (Monday to Friday), ERP is typically active during morning peak (7:30 AM to 9:30 AM) and evening peak (5:30 PM to 8:00 PM) at various locations. Some gantries also operate during lunch hours (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM) in the city centre. If you take a taxi during these times and the route passes through an ERP gantry, you will pay the surcharge.

However, there is an important exception: if the taxi passes through a gantry before the ERP start time or after the ERP end time, no surcharge is applied. For example, if you enter the CBD at 7:20 AM and the gantry starts charging at 7:30 AM, you will not be charged. Similarly, if you pass through at 8:05 PM when the gantry stops at 8:00 PM, no surcharge is added.

Another exception applies to taxis that are booked through ride-hailing apps with upfront pricing. Some apps, like Grab and Gojek, include the ERP surcharge in the quoted fare. If you book a ride through the app, you will not see a separate ERP surcharge on the receipt, but the fare you paid already accounts for it. For street-hail trips, the surcharge is added to the meter fare and shown separately on the receipt.

How to Calculate the ERP Surcharge on Your Trip

To estimate the ERP surcharge on a taxi trip, you need to know the route, the time of travel, and the taxi company's surcharge policy. The LTA publishes the ERP rates for each gantry on its website. For example, as of March 2025, the ERP rate at the CBD cordon gantry at 8:00 AM on a weekday is $1.00. If you take a ComfortDelGro taxi through that gantry at that time, the surcharge will be $1.00. If the taxi passes through a second gantry, such as the one at the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) at the same time, which charges $2.00, the surcharge will be an additional $2.00, for a total of $3.00.

If you are taking a Premier Taxi, the surcharge is a flat $0.70 per gantry, regardless of the ERP fee. So for the same two gantries, you would pay $0.70 + $0.70 = $1.40. For Trans-Cab, the surcharge is 100% of the fee, capped at $2.00 per gantry. So if the first gantry fee is $1.00 and the second is $2.00, you pay $1.00 + $2.00 = $3.00. If the second gantry fee were $3.00, you would pay $1.00 + $2.00 (capped) = $3.00.

It is worth noting that the ERP surcharge is added after the metered fare and before any other surcharges like the peak period surcharge or the late-night surcharge. The total fare is the sum of the metered fare, ERP surcharge, and any other applicable surcharges. You can see a full breakdown of the flagdown fare breakdown in our dedicated article.

The Impact of ERP Surcharges on Common Routes

Certain routes in Singapore involve multiple ERP gantries, which can significantly increase the total fare. Below are some common routes and the typical ERP surcharge you might expect during peak hours.

Orchard Road to Changi Airport: This route often passes through the CBD cordon gantry and the East Coast Parkway (ECP) gantry. During evening peak, the CBD cordon charges $1.00 and the ECP gantry charges $1.50. On a ComfortDelGro taxi, the surcharge would be $2.50.
Jurong East to Raffles Place: This route passes through the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) gantry and the CBD cordon gantry. During morning peak, the AYE gantry charges $0.50 and the CBD cordon charges $1.00. Total surcharge: $1.50 on ComfortDelGro, or $1.00 on Premier Taxi (two gantries at $0.70 each = $1.40, but if one gantry is not charged? Actually both are charged, so $1.40).
Marina Bay to Woodlands: This route passes through the CBD cordon gantry and the Seletar Expressway (SLE) gantry. During evening peak, the CBD cordon charges $1.00 and the SLE gantry charges $0.50. Total surcharge: $1.50 on ComfortDelGro, $1.40 on Premier Taxi, $1.50 on Trans-Cab (no cap exceeded).
City Hall to Bugis: This short trip may pass through one gantry at the CBD cordon. If the ERP fee is $1.00, the surcharge is $1.00 on ComfortDelGro, $0.70 on Premier Taxi, $1.00 on Trans-Cab.

These examples show that the surcharge can vary by up to $1.00 or more depending on the taxi company. For frequent travellers, choosing a taxi company with a fixed low surcharge like Premier Taxi ($0.70 per gantry) can result in savings over time. However, for trips that pass through only one gantry with a low ERP fee, a 100% pass-through may be cheaper than a fixed surcharge. For instance, if the ERP fee is $0.30, ComfortDelGro adds $0.30, while Premier Taxi adds $0.70.

ERP Surcharges and Ride-Hailing Apps

When you book a taxi through a ride-hailing app like Grab, Gojek, or TADA, the ERP surcharge is handled differently. These apps typically use upfront pricing, which means the fare you see before booking includes an estimate of all surcharges, including ERP. The app calculates the expected ERP cost based on the route and the time of booking. If the actual ERP cost differs from the estimate, the app may adjust the fare after the trip, but this is not common. Most apps absorb small differences.

For example, if you book a GrabTaxi from Orchard to Changi at 6:00 PM, the app will estimate the ERP surcharge based on the typical route and the ERP rates at that time. The fare shown includes that estimate. If the driver takes a different route that passes through additional gantries, the app may or may not adjust the fare. Grab's policy states that the fare is fixed unless the route is significantly different or the trip is extended due to passenger requests.

If you hail a taxi on the street, the ERP surcharge is added to the meter fare in real time. The meter displays the total fare including the surcharge. You can ask the driver for a receipt to see the itemised charges. The receipt will show the metered fare, the ERP surcharge, and any other surcharges.

For a more detailed overview of how fares are structured across all modes, read our complete guide to taxis and ride-hailing in Singapore.

How ERP Rates Are Set and Reviewed

The LTA sets ERP rates based on traffic conditions at each gantry. The goal is to maintain optimal traffic speed on expressways and arterial roads. Rates are reviewed every quarter and adjusted if traffic speeds deviate from the optimal range. For expressways, the optimal speed is 45 to 65 km/h. For arterial roads, it is 20 to 30 km/h. If speeds are lower than the optimal range, the ERP rate is increased. If speeds are higher, the rate is reduced or the gantry is turned off.

As of 2025, there are over 80 ERP gantries in Singapore. The rates vary from $0.50 to $5.00 for cars, with taxis paying the same rates as cars when ERP is active. However, as mentioned, taxis are exempt on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. This exemption was introduced in 2018 to reduce the cost burden on taxi passengers and to encourage the use of taxis during off-peak times.

The ERP system is gradually being replaced by the satellite-based ERP 2.0 system, which will charge based on distance travelled in congestion zones rather than at fixed gantry points. ERP 2.0 is expected to be fully operational by 2026. Under the new system, the surcharge mechanism for taxis may change. The LTA has not yet announced the exact rules, but it is likely that taxi operators will still be allowed to pass through the ERP charges to passengers, possibly with similar pass-through rates.

Tips to Minimise ERP Surcharges on Taxi Trips

If you want to reduce the amount you pay in ERP surcharges, consider the following strategies.

Avoid peak hours: Travel before 7:30 AM or after 8:00 PM on weekdays to avoid ERP gantries altogether. On Saturdays, taxis are exempt, so the surcharge is zero.
Choose a taxi company with a fixed low surcharge: If your route passes through many gantries, a fixed surcharge like Premier Taxi's $0.70 per gantry can be cheaper than a 100% pass-through. If your route passes through only one gantry with a low ERP fee, a 100% pass-through may be cheaper.
Use ride-hailing apps with upfront pricing: When you book through an app, the fare is fixed, so you know the total cost before you start the trip. This can help you budget and avoid surprises.
Check the ERP rates before you travel: The LTA's OneMotoring website publishes the current ERP rates for all gantries. You can plan your route to avoid gantries with high rates.
Consider alternative transport: If the ERP surcharge is high, taking the MRT or bus may be cheaper. For example, a trip from Orchard to Raffles Place during peak hours may cost $8.00 by taxi including $1.50 ERP surcharge, while the MRT costs $1.20.

For a deeper understanding of how distance and time affect your fare, see our article on distance and time charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About ERP Surcharges

Below are answers to common questions passengers ask about ERP surcharges on taxis.

Do I pay ERP surcharge if the taxi is stuck in traffic and does not pass through a gantry?

No. The ERP surcharge is applied only when the taxi physically passes through an active ERP gantry. If the taxi is in a traffic jam but does not go through a gantry, no surcharge is added.

Can the driver waive the ERP surcharge?

No. The ERP surcharge is automatically added by the meter. The driver cannot manually remove it. If you negotiate a fixed price with the driver (which is legal only for advance bookings), the ERP surcharge is typically included in that price.

Is the ERP surcharge the same for all taxis?

No. Each taxi company sets its own surcharge policy. The most common policy is 100% pass-through, but some companies use a fixed fee per gantry. Always check the policy of the taxi company you are using.

Do I pay ERP surcharge for trips that start and end in the same ERP zone?

Yes, if the taxi passes through any gantry during the trip. For example, if you take a taxi from Raffles Place to City Hall, both within the CBD, the taxi may pass through a gantry at the boundary of the CBD. If that gantry is active, you pay the surcharge.

Will ERP 2.0 change how surcharges are applied?

Yes. Under ERP 2.0, the charge will be based on distance travelled in congestion zones rather than per gantry passage. The LTA has not yet announced the exact surcharge rules for taxis under the new system. It is expected that taxi operators will still be allowed to pass through the charges, but the mechanism may change. We will update this article when the rules are announced.

Summary of ERP Surcharge Policies by Company

The table below summarises the ERP surcharge policies for the major taxi companies in Singapore as of 2025. Note that these policies may change. Always verify with the company directly.

ComfortDelGro: 100% of ERP fee, no cap.
SMRT: 100% of ERP fee, no cap.
Premier Taxis: Fixed $0.70 per gantry.
Trans-Cab: 100% of ERP fee, capped at $2.00 per gantry.
Prime Taxi: Fixed $0.50 per gantry.
GrabTaxi (street-hail): Follows the taxi company's policy. For app bookings, included in upfront fare.

Understanding these policies can help you choose the most cost-effective option for your trip. For a full breakdown of all fare components, including flagdown, distance, and time charges, refer to our complete guide to taxis and ride-hailing in Singapore.

The Complete Guide to Taxis and Ride-Hailing in Singapore
Flagdown Fare Breakdown
Distance and Time Charges
Peak Period Surcharges
Late-Night Surcharges
Booking Fees and Phone Surcharges