ELI5: Why is owning a car considered a luxury in Singapore?

Owning a car in Singapore is considered a luxury because it's very, very expensive.

Imagine Singapore is like a tiny island, like a small playground. Everyone wants to play on the playground, but there isn't much space! To make sure not too many people are using the playground at once, and to keep the air clean, the government makes owning a car really pricey.

Think of it like this:

• Limited Space: Just like the playground, Singapore has limited space for roads and parking. More cars mean more traffic jams!
• High Taxes and Fees: To discourage everyone from buying a car, the government adds lots of extra costs:

• Excellent Public Transportation: Singapore has really good buses and trains (the MRT). It's like having a super-fast, comfortable way to get around without needing your own car! Because of this, many people choose to use public transport instead of buying a car. It's often faster and cheaper.