On April 6, 2025, a significant malfunction in the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system across a vast stretch of Japan's expressways led to unprecedented traffic chaos, impacting commuters and raising serious concerns among the public. The failure, which primarily affected the Chuo Expressway and the Tomei Expressway, resulted in the closure of ETC-only lanes at 106 toll booths, creating long traffic jams and prompting widespread frustration.
The chaos began in the early hours of April 6, when the ETC system malfunctioned at numerous locations under the jurisdiction of NEXCO Central Japan. This disruption affected a total of 1 metropolis and 7 prefectures, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and Nagano, across 17 routes. As a result, drivers faced significant delays, with many expressing their anger on social media.
In response to the mounting frustration, the president of NEXCO Central Japan, Masaru Nohata, was compelled to apologize publicly during a press conference on April 9. Nohata explained that the system data had been damaged, although he could not identify the cause of this damage. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to our users," he stated, acknowledging the severe impact of the malfunction.
The aftermath of the ETC failure saw approximately 36,000 people apply for deferred payment due to the inability to process toll fees as normal. Critics have pointed out that NEXCO Central Japan's prioritization of toll collection over user convenience exacerbated the situation. Many users were left feeling that their needs were not adequately addressed during the crisis. "Why didn't NEXCO Central Japan take immediate 'user-first' measures?" questioned one frustrated driver, highlighting the lack of responsiveness during the chaos.
Commentators and automotive experts have noted that Japan's expressway system has been operational for over 60 years, serving as a vital artery for the nation’s economy and daily life. Kenji Momota, an automotive journalist, remarked, "In a country with such an extensive network of toll roads, it's shocking to see such a large-scale failure. This is unprecedented in Japan's history of toll collection systems."
Additionally, Mitsuhiro Kunisawa, an automotive critic, emphasized the need for accountability and improvements to avoid future incidents. "If we don’t get to the bottom of this issue, we risk facing similar problems again," he warned.
The ETC system itself is based on two primary technologies: Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), which is used in Japan, and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), which is common in places like Taiwan. DSRC allows for a greater volume of information to be transmitted, including notifications about accidents on the road. In contrast, RFID is less complex and does not require specialized onboard equipment, making it a cheaper alternative.
In Taiwan, for example, drivers simply attach a small chip to their windshield, eliminating the need for toll booths altogether. This model has drawn attention as a potential solution for Japan's ongoing toll collection challenges.
As the public continues to grapple with the fallout from the recent ETC failure, discussions around the future of toll collection in Japan are intensifying. There are growing calls for the government to consider the possibility of toll-free expressways. However, a law enacted on May 31, 2023, extended the toll collection period until 2115, citing the financial burdens associated with aging infrastructure and the need for repairs.
"The costs for maintaining and upgrading our expressways are substantial, and major toll roads are unlikely to become free anytime soon," explained a former executive from an automotive magazine. This sentiment was echoed by Momota, who noted that aside from minor local toll roads, the prospects of major expressways being toll-free remain slim.
Moreover, the increasing costs associated with upgrading infrastructure to accommodate autonomous vehicles have also contributed to the reluctance to transition to a toll-free system. As service areas and parking lots evolve to meet entertainment needs, the overall cost of maintaining these facilities continues to rise.
Looking ahead, experts like Momota anticipate that the number of information transmission devices used for autonomous driving technology will increase significantly. This could lead to better communication of critical information regarding accidents and weather changes to all vehicles, not just those equipped with autonomous systems.
Despite the challenges, there is an urgent call for the government and NEXCO to update and improve the highway system to prevent another incident like this from occurring. "The time for change is now," urged Kunisawa, stressing the importance of modernizing Japan's vital transportation infrastructure.
As the nation reflects on the recent turmoil caused by the ETC system failure, it becomes clear that significant improvements are necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of Japan's expressways for all drivers. The public's patience is wearing thin, and the need for a robust and responsive toll collection system has never been more apparent.
