2025 Finance and Road Usage Charging Summit

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is hosting a tour to showcase Route 66, just a year before its centennial celebrations. Oklahoma has the longest stretch of Route 66 in the country, and exciting projects are underway to boost tourism for this milestone. One key project is the $48 million widening and reconstruction of the I-44/Turner Turnpike bridge over SH-66 in Wellston, which will feature original Route 66 artwork by local artists. The bridge, set for completion in summer 2025, will have a dedicated area for visitors to take photos.

Tour participants will visit the construction site and iconic Route 66 spots, including the Arcadia Round Barn, the only round barn on Route 66, and Pops 66, known for its unique sodas and a towering LED-lit pop bottle. Join us to experience one of the best segments of Route 66!

This tour includes an active construction work zone and some walking. Participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes. Tour will take place rain or shine.

An overview to evaluate and present viable paths and strategies for implementing RUC at the state, multi-state, and regional levels that generate revenues that could supplement and/or replace motor fuel taxes as the primary funding source for surface transportation. Learn about the first-ever digital RUC Resource Guide that provides building blocks to help develop a RUC program.

As we look towards 2035, it’s essential to explore how advancements in connected vehicles and digital payment systems will reshape the tolling landscape. This presentation will delve into the evolving nature of toll payments, emphasizing the integration of vehicle-related commerce and the growing collaboration among toll agencies, drivers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), tier-one payment companies, and merchants. Key challenges, including data migration, interoperability, and open competition, will be addressed, with lessons drawn from successful initiatives like Automated Electronic Tolling (AET) conversions and national interoperability deployments. Participants will gain valuable insights into effective strategies for shaping the future of tolling, emphasizing the necessary policies, financing, regulatory frameworks, and collaborations needed to build a transformative tolling ecosystem. Join us as we envision a bold future for tolling and the opportunities that lie ahead!

This session will explore the emerging role of Road Usage Charges (RUC) as U.S. transportation leaders and legislators seek alternatives to dwindling fuel tax revenues. With insights from over 40 studies and pilot projects across nearly every state, the discussion will highlight lessons learned from operational RUC programs in Utah, Maine, Vermont, and Kansas. Key topics will include mandatory versus voluntary participation, integration with tolling and congestion pricing, regional clearinghouses, and public engagement strategies. Participants will also hear about innovative state initiatives aimed at expanding RUC adoption, making this a crucial forum for shaping the future of transportation funding.

This session will address the challenges of project development in the toll industry amid rapid technological and political changes, particularly at the state and local levels where resources are limited and political support can fluctuate. With the toll industry facing volatility in revenues and expenses due to factors such as cashless all-electronic tolling (AET) conversions, toll revenue leakage, rising material costs, labor shortages, and legislative actions, presentations will explore best practices for enhancing forecasts, scenario testing, risk assessment, and effective mitigation strategies, including contract terms and rate locks. Additionally, discussions will focus on communication strategies for conveying financial plans to executives, the public, and elected officials, emphasizing the need for balancing transparency with the risk of information overload. Participants will also learn about monitoring tools for anticipating impacts, justifying toll increases, and ensuring peace of mind after plan approval.

This session will focus on the critical role of trucks in the economy as Road Usage Charges (RUC) emerge as a sustainable funding source for road maintenance and infrastructure. Despite their significance, trucks—particularly those operating across state lines—have been underexamined in many RUC projects. This discussion will address the complex web of regulations, fees, and reporting requirements that trucks navigate, highlighting the unique challenges they face in integrating with RUC systems. Presentations will showcase lessons learned from the trucking industry, emphasizing design considerations tailored to their operations, strategies for simplifying and integrating with existing taxes and fees, and leveraging technology to create a fair and efficient RUC system. International examples and innovative ideas will be presented ensure that the unique needs of commercial vehicle operations are recognized, affirming that trucks are not just "big cars."

This session will examine the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing the growing global demand for efficient and sustainable transportation networks. As governments and private entities collaborate to bridge gaps in funding, expertise, and innovation, PPPs leverage the public sector’s alignment with societal priorities and the private sector’s strengths in efficiency, technology, and investment. We will explore how these partnerships have transformed road infrastructure through improved quality, expanded capacity, and the introduction of advanced tolling systems. However, the journey is not without challenges, including stakeholder alignment, long-term risk management, and financial pressures. Presentations should focus on strategies for maximizing the potential of PPPs as a robust tool for modernizing road infrastructure, highlighting both opportunities and complexities inherent in these arrangements.

This session will explore the various models of current and future state Road Usage Charge (RUC) programs, including opt-in, opt-out, and mandatory approaches, highlighting the critical challenge of user education and acceptance in transitioning from traditional funding mechanisms. Unlike tolling, where users can choose to avoid charges, RUC systems require fees for all travel, necessitating effective communication strategies to facilitate understanding and adoption. Presenters will share outcomes from location-based RUC pilot programs, focusing on consumer preferences for mileage reporting options, payment methods, and the overall driver experience in both permanent and pilot initiatives. Additionally, the discussion will examine synergies between tolling and existing account relationships that could enhance user experiences with RUC billing systems, paving the way for smoother implementation.

This session will address the growing challenge of mounting debt from unpaid tolls faced by toll agencies across the country, exacerbated by the transition to All Electronic Tolling. Presentations will highlight best practices for revenue collection and assurance, showcasing successful strategies and common pitfalls that agencies encounter. Participants will explore innovative ideas, such as leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance toll revenue assurance, reduce leakage, and improve collection efficiency. Additionally, discussions will focus on the impact of public awareness campaigns aimed at effectively communicating the purpose and allocation of toll revenues, which can drive higher payment rates. Attendees will gain valuable insights into operational successes and innovative approaches to enhancing toll revenue assurance

Walking distance from the hotel (approx. 7 min)
517 S Hudson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK

Join us for an evening social event at Social Capital in Oklahoma City! This relaxed gathering offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, network, and strengthen connections with fellow attendees. Enjoy light refreshments and drinks while engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing insights from the day's sessions. Whether you’re looking to catch up with old friends or make new connections, this event promises a fun and friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your conference experience—join us for an enjoyable evening!

As vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electric vehicle adoption rises, states are facing declining fuel tax revenue and resistance to new tolling programs. In response, policymakers are exploring various revenue options, including distance-based road usage charges, highway-use fees, electric vehicle fees, retail delivery fees, and other tax initiatives. Lawmakers are also focusing on creating a legislative foundation that addresses equity, privacy, advanced technology integration, and data security. This panel will discuss strategies for public engagement and legislative frameworks necessary for consensus and successful adoption of alternative revenue options, featuring state legislators who have navigated the challenges of implementing usage charge legislation.

In this session we dive into the important lessons learned from using a tolling system as a foundation for a RUC system, focusing on the billing and payment processes. Spoiler alert: the devil is in the details! From wrangling vehicle mileage data to ensuring seamless account management, we’ve learned that even the tiniest oversight can lead to pilot (and eventual program) headaches. Whether it’s fine-tuning system architecture, aligning business rules, or putting QA through its paces, this discussion proves that success isn’t just about the big picture—it’s about getting the little things just right.