A sharp increase in self-drive trips in Tianjin is expected to occur during Spring Festival thanks to toll free highways and drivers being more comfortable with the new traffic rules.

Industry insiders told website enorth.com that an increase in self-driving trips is highly possible because drivers have become accustomed to the recently introduced traffic rules and passenger cars can enjoy toll-free highway over the holiday.

A staff member from Tianjin office of Tuniu, a leading tourist website, said self-driving has become popular in recent years because more residents have private cars and prefer to travel by themselves, which offers more privacy.

The staff member added that thanks to toll-free highways, people booking self-drive trips almost tripled over the National Day holiday in October, and a similar situation will take place during Spring Festival.

Contact the writer at zhaoyinan@chinadaily.com.cn