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China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled

Eric · Jan 21, 2022 04:45 PM

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 01

On the topic of cashless toll collection, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), by now most Malaysians are aware of the hiccups faced by highway users. But did you know, China’s roll-out of its equivalent to our RFID, called ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system was also far from a smooth ride?

Since its deployment in 2020, almost 66 percent of China's highway users adopted RFID. 

A year later in 2021, China has more than 300 million cars on their roads. Out of which, more than 200 million of those cars are already ETC-compatible, translating into a 66.7 percent adoption rate.

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Even at 66.7 percent, China is the world's largest ETC market, eclipsing many countries. 

Also Read: Indonesia teaches Malaysia how to do a better RFID toll system

So how did China achieve that?  

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 01

To kickstart its ETC ambitions, China began eliminating all 487 physical toll boots on 1-January 2020, deploying the ETC system on its 140,000 km highway network.

It was a rough start

Very much like PLUS' roll-out of the RFID system at their toll plazas, Chinese highway users also faced “systemic problems”, whereby some ETC readers failed to read the ETC cards, resulting in long queues at toll plazas.

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 02

Yes, a sight common to Malaysians also happens to those in China

The photo above is an excellent representation of the early days of China's ETC roll-out: reversing out of an ETC lane because of an error. 

Needless to say, congestions at toll plazas during the early days of China's RFID implementation is a common sight.

Also Read: Is PLUS contradicting itself? RFID causes massive jams, PLUS shuts down comment sections

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 03

ETC-specific lanes

But it wasn’t just long queues that Chinese highway users had to deal with – there were also cases of drivers that were overcharged, as the ETC system linked to their respective bank accounts deducted their balance without notifying the drivers for days, even weeks.

Authorities warned to not allow traffic jams at toll boots extend beyond 500m

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 04

Unlike PLUS that congratulated themselves despite the less-than-ideal roll-out of their system, China’s Ministry of Transport organized a press conference and offered technical solutions for their ETC users. 

Also Read: PLUS congratulates itself for RFID's execution, thanks users for 10 percent migration rate

China's Ministry of Transport had to work together with the provincial transport authorities and toll plazas across the country to establish a 24-hour monitoring system.

If they spot a traffic congestion that’s more than 500 meters long, local authorities will step in to ease the jam.

Also Read: PLUS: Touch ‘n Go and Smart Tag to remain, at least for now

As for the overcharge issue, the Ministry of Transport set up working groups to solve the refund issues, as well as assisting those facing other ETC-related issues. 

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 05

Even parking lots utilize ETC, note the camera that scans the car's number plate

Cheaper tolls for ETC users

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 06

In an effort to promote the usage of ETC, the state government promoted the usage of ETC heavily via media outlets, as well as requiring various agencies to work together, including local governments and state-owned banks to cooperate. The banks also offered various discounts and incentives for users to adopt ETC, as well as offering the on-board unit (OBU) for free.

To further encourage the adoption of ETC in China, users were also given a 5 percent discount off their highway charges. In fact, some banks are even offering a 10 percent discount off the highway charges, which definitely accelerated the adoption of ETC in China.

Also Read: To calm the angry public, LLM to speak to PLUS and TnG to reduce price of RFID stickers

No monopoly of e-Wallets, users can choose payment options

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 07

Speaking of bank account, China’s ETC system isn’t monopolized by a single payment system (our RFID system is monopolized by Touch n Go), users can opt to use either AliPay or WeChat to link up to their ETC system.

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 08

Left: WeChat, Right: AliPay

Both AliPay and WeChat are hooked up to the user's bank account, so there's no need for reloading their account. 

ETC reader comes built-in on Chinese cars

China’s state government has also promoted the development of manufacturer-fitted ETC, whereby car manufacturers are required to offer a manufacturer-fitted ETC solution in their vehicles.

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 09

Apart from the ETC device, some manufacturers also offer the option of an On-Board Device (OBU), similar to our SmartTag device. Unlike our battery-powered SmartTag, their OBU / ETC device is powered by solar, as shown in the photo above.

Also Read: Najib: RFID sticker costs less than RM 1, why is TnG charging RM 35 for one?

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 10

Standardised number plate is crucial

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 11

No matter where you look, the number plates fitted to Chinese cars are standardized

Furthermore, another reason that eased China’s roll-out of their ETC system is their standardized number plate, making number plate recognition less of a headache. 

Keep in mind that China's number plate has its Chinese state as the first character, which isn't an easy feat by any mean.

Over in Malaysia, there has been lots of talk about standardizing number plates here, but no one has been able to provide a solution.

ETC also used for cashless parking

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 12

Apart from highways, China's ETC system is also deployed in various car parks, as there are number plate recognition cameras fitted to car park entrances and exits that scan the car's number plate. 

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 13

The system is able to read the car's number plate

Just like toll plazas, parking fees are directly deducted from the driver's bank account.

Parking tickets are a thing of the past.

Over here, Touch 'n Go is widely accepted at most car parks, but there is a downside. A year ago, Touch 'n Go said that the surcharge would be removed, but as of March 2021, some car parks have yet to remove the surchrage. 

Don't even think about RFID; this one is strictly for highways only. We've yet to see a single car park that accepts RFID. 

Why not consolidate both into one simple solution like China? 

What about barrier-less MLFF?

China’s equivalent to RFID’s roll-out was equally bad, here’s how it was handled 14

MLFF deployed in Wuhan

While countries like Singapore and Taiwan have successfully deployed barrier-less Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), China has yet to deploy this technology on a wide scale.

Thus far, China's MLFF system is still in an early stage, deployed in cities like Wuhan and Jiangxi.

Eric

Editor

Started from the IT industry but somehow managed to find his way into the automotive industry. If he’s not gaming, he’s constantly tinkering with his daily/weekend car.

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