IRF Global R2T Conference

The regional leadership seminar aims to bring together key stakeholders and experts to discuss the future of road pricing in the U.S.
Over the last decade, the search for a sustainable, long term infrastructure funding solution, as a replacement for the fuel tax, have intensified, though most states remain in the reseaerch/pilot stage. Interoperability is a question, alongside issues such as administrative costs, privacy concerns, equity and user acceptance.
Road pricing is increasingly seen as inevitable, with the focus shifting to how these systems can be designed to maximize benefits and address implementation barriers. Emerging technologies, like GNSS-based and IoT devices, offer opportunities to enhance the value of road pricing systems by providing comprehensive data insights. Could the data help understand transportation patterns and improve planning and resiliency? Could those next-generation systems also help achieve safety and decarbonization goals? All while ensuring the highest level of data privacy and security?
This seminar will address a variety of opportunities and challenges, and discuss the intersection between road user charging (RUC) and tolling. The outcomes of this seminar will inform the 2025 work plan for the IRF Road Pricing Committee, including the opportunity for Taskforces to bring together experts on specific topics.

Format
The seminar will bring together about 20 senior industry and institutional specialists to discuss these issues in depth in a spirit of constructive engagement. Under the direction of a Chair, chosen for his or her knowledge and authority on the subject, a small number of introductory presentations are delivered, and an open debate engaged between the specialists invited to the event. The discussions will aim to shed light on persisting challenges and opportunities for concerted action and supportive policies.

In writing up conclusions, care will be taken to reflect the range of views expressed, including uncertainties and divergent views. The aim is for participants to feel free to express their opinions as individuals, rather than restricting themselves to the positions of the institutions and organizations they represent (Chatham House Rule).

Agenda
10:00 – 10:10 Welcome, Overview and Introductions
Chair: Dr. Trish Hendren | Executive Director, The Eastern Transportation Coalition
Co-Chair: Nina Elter | Senior Advisor, IRF Global
Insights and Foresight – Federal View
10:10 – 10:25 RUC Pilots in the US | Lessons learnt from 5 years of STSFA grants
Speaker: Angela Fogle | Transportation Specialist, FHWA
This presentation will provide an overview of the US RUC landscape through insights gained from
five years of STSFA-funded projects. Key findings, common challenges, and open questions will be
highlighted, along with a look at what lies ahead for road usage charge pilots and implementation.
10:25 – 10:40 How federal developments may be shaping the future of road pricing in the US
Speaker: Jack Opiola | PM National MBUF Program, FHWA (invited)
This presentation will examine how federal developments, including the national pilot and
potential future regulations, may shape the future of road pricing in the US by fostering
interoperability, reducing costs, and enhancing synergies between state and national
RUC/MBUF initiatives
10:40 – 11:00 Q/A & Discussion
‘Hot’ Topics | Expert Discussions
Format: The 10 minute introductory presentations will be followed by an open debate engaged between the
specialists invited to the event.
11:00 – 11:30 Administrative Costs | Pathways to a sustainable solution
Speaker: Nate Bryer | VP, RUC Practice Lead, WSP
This session will address the realities of administrative costs in RUC programs, examining the
business case for private account managers and identifying essential factors, like data access, for
a viable model. It will also explore strategies for developing low-cost RUC solutions.
11:30 – 11:50 COFFEE BREAK
11:50-12:20 RUC System Requirements and Certification
Speaker: Jason Conley | Executive Director, OmniAir Consortium
This session will explore the certification requirements for RUC systems, comparing state-by-state
approaches to regional or national standards and discussing possible future directions for
certification in a coordinated RUC landscape.
12:20 – 12:50 RUC Data: Opportunities & Challenges
Speaker: Maureen Bock | Chief Innovation Officer, ODOT & Brad Wright | CEO, NextMove by
Cintra
This session will review insights from the connected vehicle (CV) ecosystem work in Oregon and
explore the potential of delivering broader societal benefits through data, highlighting both the
opportunities and challenges in leveraging this data effectively.
12:50 – 13:20 RUC & Tolling | Friend or Foe
Speaker: Kelli Roberts | Chief Strategy and Communications Officer, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) This session will explore the relationship between RUC/MBUF and tolling, examining potential
synergies, future roles, and the long-term viability of these models coexisting. It will also address
the evolving role of tolling within transportation funding frameworks.
13:30 Next Steps & Closing

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