When will inter-provincial toll stations be abolished?
2 Answers
Inter-provincial toll stations were abolished starting from 00:00 on January 1, 2020. Below is relevant information about toll stations: 1. Definition of toll stations: Toll stations are facilities used to collect passage fees from vehicles. 2. Classification of toll station locations: There are generally two types. One type is directly located on the main line, also known as barrier-type, mostly used at the starting and ending points of main-line toll sections; the other type is located on overpasses or connecting lines, generally used for the interchange overpasses between main-line toll sections to control vehicles entering and exiting the main line from intersecting roads.
As a long-haul truck driver, the topic of abolishing interprovincial toll stations really resonates with me. In fact, as early as the beginning of 2019, China completely removed provincial boundary toll stations on expressways nationwide, primarily to promote ETC adoption and reduce traffic congestion. I remember in the past when driving across provinces, we often had to queue for one or two hours to pay tolls, especially during holidays when the lines would be completely jammed—not only wasting time but also increasing accident risks. Now with the widespread use of ETC electronic toll collection, vehicles can pass through without stopping, saving queuing and payment time, making cross-provincial journeys much smoother. This change is part of the national effort to reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency, benefiting not only individual drivers but also enhancing freight transportation efficiency. In the long run, with technological advancements, similar measures will continue to optimize the road system, making travel easier for everyone.
