取消高速收费“第一枪”打响 此前有多条公路到期延长收费

Core Viewpoint - The announcement by Sichuan to cancel tolls on two highways marks a significant shift in China's highway toll system, indicating the beginning of a trend towards free highways in the western region of the country [2][4]. Group 1: Policy Changes - Sichuan has become the first western region to announce the cancellation of tolls on the Chengmian and Chengbei exit highways, effective September 2025 [2][4]. - The cancellation follows the expiration of toll collection periods, as stipulated by regulations that limit toll durations for government-funded and operational highways [4][8]. Group 2: Historical Context - The first batch of highways built in the late 1980s and early 1990s is reaching the end of their toll collection periods, with approximately 15,000 kilometers of government-funded and 5,000 kilometers of operational highways set to expire by the end of this year [4][10]. - Historical examples include the Shanghai-Jiaxing Highway, which ceased toll collection in 2012 after 24 years of operation [5]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The move to cancel tolls is expected to benefit logistics companies and private car owners, potentially reducing national logistics costs by 8.7% [10]. - However, the financial implications of free highways could lead to increased local government fiscal burdens, as the total highway debt exceeds 7 trillion yuan [10][12]. Group 4: Public Sentiment and Future Outlook - Public opinion is divided, with many supporting the cancellation of tolls while others express concerns about highway maintenance and funding [10][11]. - The trend towards free highways is seen as an irreversible historical trend, with expectations that more regions will follow suit in the future [12].