VETC, ePass explain 6,600 VND/month fee; drivers can opt out

Two major electronic toll collection service providers in Vietnam, VETC and ePass, have begun charging individual customers a monthly fee of 6,600 VND. This new charge has sparked reactions from drivers who use the automatic non-stop toll collection systems.

According to VETC representatives, the fee is necessary to cover costs associated with bank transactions, account management, and system reconciliation. Initially, VETC did not charge a service fee to encourage adoption of the electronic toll system under Decree 119. However, starting August 1, the company implemented the fee due to increasing transaction volumes and the need to maintain 24/7 operational infrastructure for security and service delivery.

Similarly, ePass, operated by Viettel Group, stated the fee is required to maintain the connection and security protocols for customer accounts as they pass through toll stations. The funds will also support system upgrades, data security, electronic invoicing, complaint handling, and customer support. Both companies emphasized that the fee is for managing the e-wallet services, not the toll collection itself.

To address customer concerns, VETC and ePass have clarified that drivers who do not wish to pay the monthly fee can opt out. They can close their current e-wallets and link their accounts to alternative payment methods, such as bank accounts, "buy now, pay later" services, credit cards, or international cards like Visa and Mastercard. By switching to a different payment source, the e-wallet fees will cease to apply.

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this is a fee for e-wallets according to banking regulations, not a fee for traffic accounts.