In response to a public suggestion, China’s Ministry of Transport is actively exploring a “phone +” cardless toll payment system that could eventually allow drivers to pay highway tolls by simply scanning their license plates, potentially phasing out the need for traditional ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) devices.
Public Suggestion Sparks Change
A recent online inquiry on the Ministry of Transport’s official website proposed a shift away from the current ETC system, which requires installing a dedicated device in vehicles. The suggestion advocated for a system where license plates are linked to digital payment platforms like Alipay, WeChat, or bank accounts. This would enable drivers to use ETC lanes by scanning their license plates for payment, thereby saving time spent queuing and reducing manual labor costs.
The Ministry of Transport’s Highway Bureau acknowledged the suggestion, stating that ETC is a crucial tool for enhancing toll road efficiency and improving the overall travel experience for the public, while also contributing to cost reductions and efficiency gains in the logistics industry. The ministry emphasized that ETC is a public service, and vehicle owners can choose to apply for an ETC device based on their individual needs through various official online and offline channels.
Introducing “Phone +” Cardless Payment
To further improve highway efficiency and convenience, the Ministry of Transport has issued an implementation plan for a “phone +” cardless convenient toll payment system, scheduled for rollout between 2026 and 2028. This new model utilizes a mobile phone as the primary carrier, employing license plate recognition technology to track a vehicle’s journey and calculate tolls.
Under this system, users would be able to pay through electronic methods available on existing MTC (Manual Toll Collection) lanes. For small passenger vehicles not equipped with ETC, this would eliminate the need to pick up and return CPC cards at manual toll booths, offering a truly “no card, no hassle” experience.
The “phone +” cardless payment mode will initially be implemented in MTC lanes. Depending on the results of pilot programs, it is planned to gradually expand to dedicated ETC lanes, serving as a valuable supplement to current ETC and MTC payment methods.
Phased Rollout and User Choice
The plan aims for comprehensive coverage of “phone +” cardless toll parking for small passenger vehicles (nine seats and below) by the end of 2026. This coverage will extend to MTC lanes at highway entrances within the Chengdu-Chongqing and Yangtze River Delta regions, as well as all MTC lanes at highway exits nationwide.
The Ministry reiterated that the public can choose their preferred toll payment method based on their travel needs. For frequent highway users who prioritize non-stop, fast passage, applying for and using an ETC device is recommended to take advantage of the 5% toll discount. For those who do not use highways often or find it inconvenient to install an ETC device, the traditional MTC mode or the new “phone +” cardless service in pilot areas will be available.
This initiative signals a significant step towards modernizing China’s toll collection infrastructure, offering greater flexibility and convenience to drivers while maintaining efficiency on its vast highway network.
