(File photo: VCG)

BEIJING — China's electronic toll collection (ETC) users exceeded 147 million, official data showed.

The country had more than 147 million ETC users as of Oct 16, accomplishing 77.02 percent of the total issuance task, according to the Ministry of Transport.

China has seen 66.32 million new ETC users since May 15, 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.