Zhejiang province is set to roll out a new convenient toll payment system, dubbed ‘Phone+’, on October 29th at 9 AM. This initiative by Zhejiang Expressway Smart Toll Operations and Services Co., Ltd. aligns with the Ministry of Transport’s directive to enhance highway travel with cardless, mobile-first solutions.
Seamless Travel with ‘Phone+’
The ‘Phone+’ system aims to streamline the toll collection process, making it faster and more user-friendly for drivers. Vehicle owners can register and authenticate their vehicles quickly through the ‘Zhejiang ETC Phone+’ WeChat mini-program. When passing through highway toll gates, vehicles will be automatically recognized without the need to pick up a physical card. The barrier will lift automatically, and drivers can complete the payment by scanning a code at the exit before proceeding.
Registered users will also have the convenience of checking their toll records and issuing invoices directly through the ‘Zhejiang ETC Phone+’ WeChat mini-program.
National Push for Cardless Tolls
This launch in Zhejiang is part of a broader national strategy. The Ministry of Transport has previously issued the ‘Implementation Plan for Highway “Phone+” Cardless Convenient Passage (2026-2028)’, actively promoting this modern approach to highway tolling. The ‘Phone+’ model primarily uses license plate recognition technology to track a vehicle’s journey and calculate tolls. Payment is then made through existing electronic payment methods available at manual MTC (Manual Toll Collection) lanes.
For small passenger cars not equipped with ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) devices, this system eliminates the need to collect and return CPC cards at traditional manual toll lanes. This achieves a ‘no card pickup, no card return’ experience, significantly reducing congestion and wait times.
Benefits and Future Implications
The introduction of the ‘Phone+’ system is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of highway operations and enhance the travel experience for millions of drivers in Zhejiang. By leveraging mobile technology and license plate recognition, the system reduces the physical handling of cards and speeds up transactions. This move is indicative of the ongoing digital transformation within China’s transportation infrastructure, aiming to create a more integrated and intelligent network.
The focus on mobile payment and contactless solutions reflects a growing trend towards digitalization and convenience in public services. As the ‘Phone+’ model is further implemented across the country, it promises to make toll payments more accessible and efficient, contributing to smoother traffic flow and a better overall commuting experience.
