The providers state the fees are necessary to maintain the digital infrastructure, security, and real-time transaction processing required for the national electronic toll collection system.
Implementation and Fee Structure
The transition to a monthly management fee began in late July, with implementation taking effect on August 1, 2026. VETC initiated its collections on August 1, whereas ePass announced the fee would apply within the same month, according to reports from Tuổi Trẻ.
The introduction of the monthly charge follows a broader shift toward a traffic account model, mandated by regulators in late 2025, which requires accounts to link directly with e-wallets or bank cards rather than holding pre-paid balances.
VETC, ePass nói gì về phí 6.600 đồng/tháng, không
Justification for Service Charges
Service providers maintain that the fees are essential for the technical demands of the system. Representatives from VETC stated that the scale of transactions and requirements for safety, security, and connectivity are constantly increasing and that the company must maintain infrastructure and resources 24/7. This sentiment was echoed by ePass, which noted that the funds support real-time transaction reconciliation, data security upgrades, and customer support services.
According to thanhnien.vn, officials from the Vietnam Road Administration clarified that the charges are a fee for the e-wallet, not a fee for the traffic account itself. Because the traffic account is linked to an e-wallet, the fee is governed by banking regulations regarding electronic payment services.
User Options and Market Impact
Tính phí quản lý tài khoản hằng tháng của
The announcement has prompted concern among users regarding the necessity of the fees, especially given the dominant market position of VETC and ePass. As noted by Vietnamfinance, some users have expressed confusion over why both major providers implemented the charge simultaneously.
For users who wish to avoid the new monthly cost, providers have confirmed that they are not locked into the current payment method. Options include:
- Unlink their e-wallets from their traffic accounts.
- Switch to alternative payment methods, such as direct bank account debits, credit cards, or post-paid services.
Legal experts suggest the move is supported by the regulatory framework. According to Dantri, Decree 119/2024/NĐ-CP established the legal structure for traffic accounts to connect with non-cash payment methods. As one legal professional noted, Decree 119/2024/NĐ-CP on electronic payment for road traffic has established a model of traffic accounts connected to non-cash payment methods. Therefore, in terms of legal structure, the connection of traffic accounts to e-wallets or other payment methods has a legal basis.
Financial Implications for Providers
VETC, ePass giải thích thu 6.600 đồng/tháng, tài xế
The total revenue generated by these fees depends on the proportion of individual versus corporate users. However, the exact revenue remains uncertain as neither VETC nor ePass has disclosed the specific composition of their account types, leaving analysts to rely on estimates based on the 90/10 split between individual and corporate accounts for illustrative purposes.
Assuming 90% of these accounts are individual and 10% are corporate, VETC could generate a significant amount of revenue from individual and corporate fees, totaling a substantial sum monthly. Annually, this would amount to a significant figure for VETC alone.
Stakeholder Reactions
Representatives from both companies emphasized that the fees are not a new revenue stream but a necessary adjustment to align with evolving technological and regulatory demands. The fees are directly tied to the operational costs of maintaining 24/7 connectivity, data security, and transaction processing, said an ePass spokesperson. VETC’s statement echoed this, noting that the fee structure reflects the increasing complexity of the system and the need to ensure uninterrupted service for all users.
Users have expressed mixed reactions. While some acknowledge the need for infrastructure investment, others criticize the abrupt implementation. The one-time tag fee was manageable, but adding a monthly charge without prior notice feels exploitative, said a social media user. However, industry analysts argue that the fees are a logical step in transitioning to a sustainable model for electronic toll collection.
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