Federal government body USDOT names appointees to National RUC Consultative Committee
The US Department of Transportation has created the Federal System Funding Alternative Advisory Board, a move that comes at a pivotal time as the country grapples with declining fuel tax revenues due to vehicle electrification.
The advisory board comprises a diverse group of experts from transportation, tolling, trucking, consumer advocacy, data security, academia, and equity-focused organizations. The board's co-chair is Patricia Hendren, executive director of The Eastern Transportation Coalition, while Carlos Braceras, executive director of the Utah Department of Transportation, serves as chair.
Prominent members of the board include Reema Griffiths of the Washington State Transportation Commission, William Pugh of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Asha Weinstein-Agrawal from the Mineta Transportation Institute, and Steve Finnegan of the American Automobile Association. Nate Bryer of WSP Consulting, an expert in data security and privacy, is also part of the board.
The International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) are involved in the advisory board, emphasizing operational feasibility across multiple transportation sectors.
The advisory board's primary responsibility is to provide strategic guidance for the national road usage charging (RUC) pilot. The national RUC pilot aims to explore alternatives to traditional fuel taxes by implementing a mileage-based user fee system. The pilot has been trialled at the state level in places such as Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
The recommendations and findings from the advisory board's efforts will play a crucial role in shaping federal policy and determining the viability of RUC as a long-term solution for sustainable infrastructure investment. The board's work will set the stage for broader discussions on the future of transportation funding in the USA.
Other appointees include representatives from US state departments of transportation, academia, motor vehicle fleets, tolling operators, transit organizations, and industry advocacy groups. Maureen Bock of Oregon DOT and Michael Lynn of the Cherokee Nation are members of the board, advocating for fair and inclusive policies.
The additional members of the national RUC pilot advisory committee appointed by the German government include experts from data protection, digital infrastructure, transport policy, civil rights organizations, and representatives from federal and state governments. This international collaboration will oversee the nationwide RUC trial and advise on privacy, equality, and technology issues.
The establishment of the advisory board is a requirement of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The board will oversee the national RUC pilot, advise USDOT on implementation strategies, and ensure privacy, equity, and technological considerations are addressed. The advisory board's efforts will undoubtedly shape the future of transportation funding in the USA.
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