Influencing the Adoption of Electronic Road Toll System in Zambia

The main objective of the study was to determine the factors influencing the adoption and use of electronic toll system in Zambia with reference to Shimabala toll plaza. To achieve this, the study applied descriptive quantitative research design. The population was over 1360 motorists who pass through the toll gate and are on Local user discount and NRFA staff. For the purpose of this study a total of 300 respondents were considered in the sample. This sample size considered all 300 elements broken down as 290 motorists accessing the toll plaza and 10 NRFA staff (290+10) as the population. The sampling technique for the study was purposive and stratified random sampling technique. Data was analysed by use of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science). The descriptive statistics such as tabulations, percentages, mean, standard deviation and frequencies were used in the data presentation. The results showed that the cost of purchasing the electronic toll card, perceived economic benefits, and accessibility are significant factors influencing the adoption of the electronic toll system in Zambia. Income level and security concerns also play roles, but to a slightly lesser extent. Cost of Purchasing the Electronic Toll Card: The coefficient is 0.412. This positive coefficient suggests that as the cost of purchasing the electronic toll card increases, the adoption of the electronic toll system also increases. The coefficient is statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating that this relationship is unlikely to have occurred by chance. Income Level: The coefficient is 0.347. This positive coefficient implies that as income level increases, the adoption of the electronic toll system also increases. The coefficient is statistically significant (p = 0.003). Perceived Economic Benefit: The coefficient is 0.462. This positive coefficient indicates that as perceived economic benefit increases, the adoption of the electronic toll system also increases. The coefficient is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Security: The coefficient is 0.550. This positive coefficient suggests that as the perception of security associated with the electronic toll system increases, the adoption also increases. The coefficient is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Accessibility: The coefficient is 0.351. This positive coefficient implies that as the perceived accessibility of the electronic toll system increases, the adoption also increases. The coefficient is statistically significant (p = 0.001). Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: The study recommends among other, engagement with government agencies, road authorities, private sector partners, and local communities to ensure buy-in and address concerns, Investment in the necessary infrastructure, including toll plazas, gantries, sensors, and communication networks, to support the electronic tolling system, Design user-friendly interfaces and payment methods and Continuously monitor the system’s performance.