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

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

Update: 2025-07-14
Share

Description

Singapore’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system has sparked public frustration again, especially after recent comments from Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow defending private hire car allocations. 

In this episode, BT’s Derryn Wong speaks with economist Walter Theseira to unpack whether private hire cars really drive up COE prices, the bigger issues with the COE system, and what an ideal, more equitable policy could look like in future Singapore.

---

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.

---

Follow BT Correspondents:

Channel: bt.sg/btcobt

Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap

Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt 

WealthBT at: bt.sg/btwealthbt 

PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts

BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

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

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

The Business Times