Exciting news from Japan! Starting in April 2025, Japan plans to implement a variable road pricing system nationwide to reduce traffic congestion on expressways. This innovative system will allow tolls to vary depending on the time of day and the section of road, encouraging drivers to avoid peak hours and busy routes. The goal is to not only ease traffic congestion but also reduce air pollution.
The Ministry of Transport will begin discussions with expressway operators this summer to finalize the details of the plan. Variable tolling was successfully tested during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, showing promising results in managing traffic flow.
In addition to the variable pricing system, Japan is also promoting expressway commuter passes to provide discounts of up to 50% on designated sections. These passes are currently available on a trial basis in six prefectures and are set to be nationwide by fiscal 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates on Japan’s efforts to create smoother and more efficient transportation systems!