Motorists in Japan are unlikely to see toll-free expressways in their lifetime. Sources say the transport ministry is planning to continue collecting the money for an additional period as long as 50 years or until 2115.
The tolls were introduced to pay back construction costs. They were supposed to end by 2050. The expressways would then be free of charge.
But the government later decided to push back that date by 15 years.
A panel of experts is now calling for yet another extension. They cite a lack of funds to repair or replace aging infrastructure.
Ministry officials are planning to submit related legislation when the regular Diet session opens later this month.
The tolls were introduced to pay back construction costs. They were supposed to end by 2050. The expressways would then be free of charge.
But the government later decided to push back that date by 15 years.
A panel of experts is now calling for yet another extension. They cite a lack of funds to repair or replace aging infrastructure.
Ministry officials are planning to submit related legislation when the regular Diet session opens later this month.
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Summary
Japan's expressways may remain tolled until 2115 due to extension plans by the transport ministry. Originally slated for toll-free status by 2050, the delay is attributed to a need for continued revenue to repay construction costs. A panel of experts has proposed another extension due to
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ID: d2709bc0-2be8-464a-880f-69058488c85e
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230116_15/
Date: Jan. 16, 2023
Created: 2023/01/16 13:51
Updated: 2025/12/09 08:55
Last Read: 2023/01/16 18:13