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Core Viewpoint - The recent trend of highways in China transitioning to free tolls has sparked significant public interest and discussion, particularly with the announcement of the Hunan Changyong Expressway ending its tolls after 31 years, marking it as the first long-term free highway in Hunan [1][3]. Group 1: Recent Developments in Highway Toll Policies - The Hunan Changyong Expressway will implement a "zero toll" policy starting November 2, 2023, ending its toll collection after 31 years of operation [3]. - Other highways, such as Chengmian Expressway and Wuhan Tianhe Airport Expressway, have also ceased toll collection, indicating a broader trend of toll expirations across various regions [3][4]. - The phenomenon of multiple highways reaching the end of their toll periods has raised public awareness and discussions about the implications of these changes [3][4]. Group 2: Historical Context and Economic Implications - The first expressway in mainland China, the Hujia Expressway, was built in 1988 to alleviate traffic congestion and has since demonstrated the benefits of expressways in improving transportation efficiency [4]. - Most expressways in China remain toll-based, with only a few exceptions, primarily in economically developed areas, indicating a disparity in toll policies based on regional economic conditions [5][10]. - The toll-free highways are often located in regions with high traffic volumes, where the toll revenue can significantly contribute to covering operational costs [10][11]. Group 3: Challenges and Future Considerations - The current toll policies are influenced by the "loan for road construction, toll for loan repayment" model, which poses challenges for transitioning to a widespread free highway system due to ongoing debt and maintenance costs [3][20]. - The financial sustainability of highways is a concern, as evidenced by the significant revenue shortfalls reported in 2021, where toll revenues were substantially lower than expenditures [20][21]. - The ongoing discussions about highway toll policies reflect broader economic, social, and public welfare considerations, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to infrastructure financing [26].