RUC alliance set up
A major step forward has been made to advance road-user charging (RUC) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
It is anticipated progress in the sector will be achieved through the formation of the Asia-Pacific Road-User Charging Alliance (APRUCA).
ITS New Zealand, ITS Taiwan, ITS Thailand and ITS India Forum used this year’s Smart Mobility Summit to unify ITS associations, key transport agencies and industry leaders to foster collaboration, share best practices, and tackle challenges in road pricing and mobility management.
A memorandum of understanding was officially signed at the event in Taipei on on March 19, signifying a strategic commitment to knowledge exchange and policy development.
Under the agreement, members will take turns hosting the Asia-Pacific RUC summit, which will provide a platform for policymakers, industry stakeholders and experts to share insights and jointly address mobility challenges.
The alliance will explore advancements in collecting electronic tolls, congestion pricing, road pricing and emerging technologies, including AI-driven traffic management and data-driven pricing models.
Armin Guttke, president of ITS NZ, emphasises its importance in shaping the future of transportation moving forward.
He says: “We are excited to join this alliance, which is vital for contributing to effective road-pricing solutions through regional collaboration, and ensuring outcomes support the economy, environment and society for a sustainable future.”
“As Taipei prepares to host the 2029 ITS World Congress, joining this alliance demonstrates our commitment to regional co-operation,” says Yi-Fang Shih, president of ITS Taiwan.
“We believe this initiative will foster innovative ITS applications across Asia-Pacific and contribute valuable insights to the global community.”
Dr YC Chang, chairman of the board of supervisors of ITS Taiwan, adds: “By working together, we can develop innovative and sustainable road-pricing mechanisms that enhance efficiency and fairness in transportation.”
“RUC is a transformative policy tool that not only optimises traffic flow, but also ensures sustainable funding for transport infrastructure,” adds Tongkarn Kaewchalermtong, president of ITS Thailand.
“Through this alliance, we aim to advance technologies and implementation strategies in alignment with global best practices.”
And Akhilesh Srivastava, president of ITS India Forum, highlights the broader impact of the initiative. “It represents a step forward in fostering global knowledge exchange, innovation in RUC and the pursuit of net-zero goals.”
APRUCA welcomes ITS associations, transport agencies and toll operators to join in advancing RUC solutions that benefit governments, operators and road users.
By leveraging regional expertise and fostering cross-border co-operation, the alliance aims to create a more efficient, sustainable and technology-driven future for transport in Asia-Pacific.
