Measuring Drivers’ Attitudes Toward Use of Electronic Toll Collection Systems in Spain

Abstract

Electronic payment is increasing inexorably as a means of paying for the use of toll roads worldwide. However, it is necessary to increase the effectiveness and expediency of this mechanism, as well as improve policy issues such as privacy or data management. The state of the art in this field typically analyzes users’ perceptions and willingness to pay to use toll roads. However, research addressing drivers’ attitudes toward the use of electronic toll collection (ETC) systems is not sufficiently developed. The aim of this paper is to identify the explanatory variables influencing toll road users’ use of ETC technologies. For that purpose, based on a nationwide survey directed toward road users of interurban toll roads in Spain, a binomial logit model was developed to explore users’ attitudes toward the use of ETC systems. The research concludes that drivers’ tag ownership is related mainly to trip-related attributes, while personal socioeconomic characteristics play a minor role. In addition, free tags would be an effective policy measure to increase toll road use, given that a majority of respondents show a positive response.

Which Factors Affect User Satisfaction with ETC? Evidence from Shanghai and Beijing

“…Chang et al pointed out that the implementation of ETC on expressways can provide more flexible solutions for road pricing, and they developed a road pricing model to promote a win-win situation among stakeholders [25]. Heras-Molina et al found that free tagging equipment is an effective policy measure to encourage individuals to use ETC and additional toll roads [26]. Al-Deek et al proposed a microscopic simulation model, which is specifically developed for evaluating the operating performance of toll stations.…”