BEIJING — China now has more than 130 million electronic toll collection (ETC) users, according to the Ministry of Transport.

By Sept 18, the total number of ETC users stood at 130.51 million, meaning 68.39 percent of the total issuance task was completed, data from the ministry showed.

New ETC users this year totaled 53.96 million, the ministry said.

Earlier this year, the ministry issued a circular to popularize the use of expressway ETC devices, with a target to install such devices on over 80 percent of registered automobiles by year-end.

The policy aims to reduce emissions and logistics costs and relieve traffic congestion on expressways.