Japan's High Expressway Tolls: Globally High Fees and Concerns over Steep Increases, Subscription Plans Gain Attention

A bill is under review in the National Assembly to improve transportation convenience for residents of this region who have living bases across cities and rural areas. The burden of transportation costs between the two areas has emerged as a major issue, particularly the high expressway tolls when traveling by car, which are considered very high even on an international scale. The timeframe for expressway free-of-charge access has been pushed back to 2115, and there are arguments suggesting that a low-cost flat-rate system, instead of complete free access, could lead to regional revitalization.

In Japan, expressway tolls are calculated by adding 24.6 yen per kilometer (for ordinary cars) to a base fare of 150 yen. This rate is considered quite high compared to other countries. In developed countries like Germany, the UK, and the US, expressways are generally toll-free, and even among countries that charge tolls, Japan's rates are among the highest. Other countries have significantly lower rates, including France at 15.6 yen, Spain at 13.4 yen, Italy at 8.7 yen for flatlands and 10.3 yen for mountainous areas.

The high cost of expressway tolls in Japan is attributed to the significant construction and maintenance costs. Due to Japan's geographical characteristics, requiring earthquake-resistant infrastructure, a considerable amount of money is spent on building earthquake-proof structures. Construction costs are financed through loans from financial institutions and repaid with toll revenue, leading to increased user burdens. Continuous expenses are also required for maintaining aging facilities, which resulted in the toll collection period being extended by 50 years to 2115 last year.

In response, individuals like former Toyota Motor Corporation Vice President Kanji Kurioka (87 years old) and former Gifu Prefecture government official and management consultant Chuji Kondo (66 years old) have proposed the introduction of a flat-rate system. In Switzerland, a flat-rate system is in operation, allowing unlimited expressway use for an annual fee of 6,800 yen (40 Swiss francs).

Meanwhile, expressway tolling and toll increases are becoming a global trend. Due to expanding fiscal deficits and aging infrastructure, the burden of maintenance costs is increasing, leading some countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, to recently introduce toll systems. However, toll levels in these countries remain lower than those in Japan.

Amidst this trend, Japan is also considering measures to alleviate the burden, such as reducing tolls. Government review bodies are discussing options for toll reductions instead of complete free access. However, there are still numerous challenges to address, including securing tax revenue and establishing a facility management system.