NPC delegate proposes swapping China’s holiday toll waivers for a 3,000 km annual expressway free-pass

The proposal

A representative to China’s National People’s Congress, Tuo Qingming, has proposed replacing the country’s long-standing “free major holiday” expressway policy with an annual quota of 3,000 kilometers of toll-free travel. According to ITHome, the plan would allow drivers to use the quota at their discretion throughout the year rather than crowding travel into a handful of peak holidays. It has been reported that the suggested change aims to smooth traffic flows, improve fairness for those who cannot travel during public holidays, and make toll revenues more predictable.

Why it matters

China operates the world’s largest expressway network, and most intercity highways are tolled. Since 2012, small passenger vehicles (seven seats or fewer) have enjoyed toll-free passage during four major holidays, a consumer-friendly policy that also creates massive congestion spikes. Could a mileage-based allowance spread trips more evenly, reduce gridlock at toll gates, and better match capacity with demand? That’s the bet behind Tuo’s proposal—and a live question for transport planners and drivers alike.

Feasibility and mechanics

Implementation looks technically plausible. China’s nationwide electronic toll collection system and license-plate recognition already enable unified settlement across provinces. It has been reported that a 3,000 km quota could be tied to vehicles via ETC accounts and deducted automatically, with normal tolls resuming after the threshold is reached. Key details—eligibility, rollover rules, quotas for commercial vs. private users—would require central guidance to avoid regional fragmentation.

Industry and policy implications

Any shift would ripple through listed toll-road operators such as China Merchants Expressway (招商公路) and Jiangsu Expressway (江苏宁沪高速), as well as provincial financing vehicles reliant on toll income. Expect debate over how to balance user benefits with stable operator cash flows, and whether central transfers are needed to offset revenue timing changes. As with many ideas floated during the annual “Two Sessions,” this is a proposal—not policy—but it neatly aligns with Beijing’s broader push to boost domestic mobility, cut friction in logistics, and use digital infrastructure to fine-tune public services.