Nikolai Valuev, serving as Vice-Chairman of the State Duma Commission focused on Tourism and the development of tourism infrastructure, discussed the idea of offering cashback for travelers who use cars. The remarks are cited from the Profi.travel portal, providing a clear sense of the proposal and its potential reach.
At the core of the proposal is cashback that would apply specifically to trips made on toll roads. This would create a financial incentive for drivers to choose routes that include toll segments, potentially smoothing the cost of longer journeys and encouraging more travel by car within the country.
The plan is in its early stages, but the practical feasibility is already evident. Valuev points to existing technological options, such as a system based on vehicle transponders, as a concrete example. In this envisioned setup, funds would be charged to a bank card and then reimbursed through the cashback program, minimizing friction for users and making the promise of rebates tangible in everyday travel. This approach shows how the subsidy could be delivered electronically, aligning with how many modern payments are processed.
Nevertheless, to make the program fully functional, certain improvements would be necessary. These improvements would likely involve refining how data is captured, ensuring smooth integration with payment networks, and coordinating with toll operators to standardize cashback flows. The aim is to reduce delays and complexity so that travelers feel confident in receiving rebates without hassle.
Under the same framework, there is a suggestion to give travelers the option to enter and exit toll road networks without incurring additional charges for certain trips. This would be particularly advantageous for situations such as car camping or short excursions where overnight stays and leisure spots are located off the toll corridors. In those cases, drivers often pay a new entrance fee when rejoining a toll road, which can be a deterrent to exploring peripheral areas. A streamlined policy could help travelers maintain flexibility without adding unexpected costs to their itineraries.
The rollout of the concession would be possible only after a new law establishing the basic principles of tourism activity is enacted. The draft law is under consideration by the State Duma and is scheduled for review during the autumn session. If approved, the law would pave the way for implementing cashback and related protections across toll-road journeys, creating a clearer regulatory framework for both travelers and providers.
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A visual reference notes that the image is credited to Depositphotos, indicating the source of the illustrative material accompanying the discussion.