A Theoretical Study on User Adoption of Electronic Toll Collection in Beijing: From a Perspective of innovation Diffusion

摘要

In recent years, rapid economic development and explosive metropolis expansion have resulted in a number of problems, such as energy consumption, air pollution, traffic congestion, etc. The city of Beijing has taken measures to deal with the above problems, among which is the launch of a renewed ETC system in the highway system in and around the city. The user adoption of the system, however, has been slow. The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying reasons for slow adoption of a seemingly beneficial technology. From a theoretical perspective of diffusion of innovations, this study analyzes the characteristics of the innovation and other external factors, and summarizes a set of major hindrance to the adoption of ETC. The results are verified by a preliminary small-sample survey. The result of the study may shed light on future practice of introduction of innovation.