VETC, a prominent electronic toll collection service in Vietnam, has officially suspended its recently implemented monthly fee policy after facing widespread criticism from users. The company announced on August 20 that it would halt the collection of 6,600 VND per month for individual customers and 66,000 VND for corporate clients.

The decision comes after the policy, which was set to take effect on August 1, drew significant opposition from vehicle owners who argued that the fee was unreasonable. Many users expressed their frustration, particularly since using VETC and its partner ePass services is mandatory for access to certain highways.

In a press release, VETC stated, "We sincerely apologize to our customers and acknowledge the need to improve our communication and policy development processes. We are committed to listening to our customers and relevant authorities before implementing changes that may have widespread implications." The company noted that no fees had been collected from users to date.

Moving forward, VETC plans to clarify its payment methods and associated costs while exploring additional payment options. The company also aims to collaborate with partners to minimize any additional fees for users.

Previously, VETC and Viettel Money, which is linked to ePass, announced a monthly service fee for their non-stop toll collection service. The fees were set at 6,600 VND per month for individual users and 66,000 VND for businesses, including VAT. This policy faced backlash as many vehicle owners began withdrawing their balances from their VETC electronic wallets and terminating their payment links in protest.

Moreover, the VETC app on both the App Store and Google Play has been inundated with one-star reviews from dissatisfied customers, reflecting the public's discontent with the company's fee structure.