Taiwan is the first nation to replace toll stations imposing uniform rates with an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system charging mileage-based fees for all its freeways at once, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said today.
Once the system is implemented by the end of this month, the toll for a vehicle will be calculated according to the mileage it has traveled on the freeway; previously, a flat fee was charged at each station. This will resolve the problem of unfairness stemming from charging the same rate to drivers who have traveled different distances, the premier explained after a briefing on the program at today's Cabinet meeting by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).
Enormous challenges have been faced during the establishment of ETC and the switch to mileage-based tolls, but over 80 percent of freeway drivers now use ETC, and surveys show public approval of the new payment regime, Jiang pointed out. The toll plan has been finalized after evaluation and review by the Legislature, with which the administration had communicated ceaselessly, he said.
The premier commended the staff and work teams of the MOTC and Taiwan Area National Freeway Bureau for overcoming all obstacles and difficulties in getting the scheme ready. He also reminded relevant agencies to step up their publicity campaigns to help drivers become familiar with the new system.