What Does It Mean to Abolish Provincial Expressway Toll Stations?
3 Answers
Abolishing provincial expressway toll stations refers to the elimination of toll booths at provincial borders under the previous management system where tolls were collected based on provincial boundaries. After implementing this policy, interprovincial toll stations will be removed. This measure aims to enhance vehicle traffic efficiency and reduce waiting times. It's important to note that abolishing interprovincial toll stations doesn't mean toll-free travel; rather, it eliminates the processes of payment and card collection. Toll stations are major congestion points, especially those located on main highways between provinces, which significantly impair the capacity and efficiency of the expressway network, hindering smooth and efficient travel for drivers.
The elimination of provincial expressway tolls refers to the national reform of the expressway toll system, which removes traditional physical toll stations at provincial borders and replaces them with ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) gantry-based segmental charging. This reduces the need for stopping to pay tolls, making highway travel smoother for vehicles. For example, previously, when driving from Shanghai to Jiangsu, drivers had to queue and pay at each provincial border, wasting time and increasing fatigue. Now, with ETC gantries automatically calculating fees, travel time is cut by at least half. This policy not only improves individual travel efficiency but also lowers logistics costs, bringing long-term benefits to e-commerce and the transportation industry. Additionally, it promotes energy conservation and emission reduction by decreasing exhaust emissions caused by congestion. From news reports, I’ve learned that accident rates have also dropped since the nationwide network was implemented, enhancing safety. Overall, this is a beneficial reform for both the nation and its people.
As a veteran driver with years of highway experience, I've personally witnessed this change. In the past, driving home for holidays always meant getting stuck in long queues at provincial border toll stations, which was incredibly frustrating. After the removal of these tolls, things have become much more convenient. With ETC, the journey is smooth without the need to stop and pay in cash. Driving on highways is now much more relaxed, saving both time and fuel costs. I can only imagine how much more beneficial this is for truck drivers, as uninterrupted freight transport means faster deliveries and higher efficiency. I would also recommend that new drivers install ETC devices to adapt to this smart system. While the policy is good, there's a need for widespread education on its installation; otherwise, the few remaining manual lanes could still pose congestion risks. In short, it makes travel smoother and more convenient.
