IBTTA Hosts Policy Trends Webinar: Key Issues to Watch in 2025
IBTTA held a Policy Trends Webinar, highlighting critical policy topics set to shape the transportation landscape in 2025. The discussion covered important areas such as the reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs, road usage charging, the proposed reorganization of the lower 900 MHz band, and a look at the new Congress and Administration in Washington, D.C.
This event offered a valuable opportunity for IBTTA members and the broader transportation community to gain perspectives from Kathryn Clay, IBTTA’s new CEO and Executive Director. I had the pleasure of joining Kathryn to provide additional insights from IBTTA’s Policy and Government Affairs team.
Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization
With the current infrastructure law set to expire on September 30, 2026, the coming year will see Congress and the transportation industry preparing for the next surface transportation bill. IBTTA remains committed to advocating for its core policy priorities, including user-based financing and funding, as well as supporting infrastructure and operations programs. We are also shaping our advocacy efforts around emerging priorities such as road safety, asset resiliency, workforce capabilities, and innovative finance initiatives. We aim to engage IBTTA members to ensure their voices are reflected in our outreach and advocacy efforts.
Road Usage Charging (RUC)
The decline in gas tax revenues has heightened the need for dependable alternative funding sources. Federal support for state research and pilots on distance-based Road Usage Charging (RUC) has been instrumental in developing workable solutions, leading to four operational state programs. The recent appointment of members to the Federal System Funding Alternatives (FSFA) Advisory Board marks a significant step forward in investigating per-mile road usage charges through a national pilot program. This initiative presents an opportunity to address challenges not yet adequately addressed in the state programs, including enforcement, administrative costs, interstate reciprocity, and standardization of functional, technical, and business requirements.
Proposed Reorganization of the Lower 900 MHz Band
IBTTA strongly opposes NextNav’s petition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking the reorganization of the lower 900 MHz spectrum. This band is crucial for transportation operations, particularly electronic tolling systems. Harmful interference from the proposed changes would negatively impact the technical and financial performance of these systems, which play a critical role in public revenue generation. IBTTA is committed to collaborating with the FCC, USDOT, and Congress to ensure they fully understand the potential disruptions and the available options that are better prepared to enhance U.S. GPS capabilities without jeopardizing transportation operations and systems.
The New Administration and 119th Congress
The swift pace of executive actions from the White House and key agencies has been historic. As the new Congress begins its session, the GOP holds a narrow majority in both houses, creating potential opportunities for IBTTA to advocate for key priorities of our members. Safety is a stated federal transportation priority and holds bipartisan promise for action. Other advocacy opportunities include user-based funding and finance, private investment, technology deployment, and innovative business practices. The 119th Congress welcomes 80 freshman members, including 14 new Senators. This offers a welcome opportunity to introduce IBTTA and our industry’s record of accomplishments and priorities in our advocacy plans on Capitol Hill. .
IBTTA remains committed to industry advocacy and encourages members and partners to share their thoughts on priorities and business interests. Your input is essential to shape the future of transportation programs and solutions and IBTTA’s agenda for federal transportation program reauthorization. Please reach out to Mark Muriello at [email protected] with any information or suggestions.