Legislative direction in 2012
Washington’s legislature directed an evaluation of feasibility of RUC to address key policy issues for implementation.
Practices
Markets
Developing a new approach to transportation funding
We partnered with the Washington State Transportation Commission to establish a model for road usage charging (RUC) policy development. After a multi-year study, WTSC recommended a pay-per-mile charge as a sustainable alternative to the gas tax. RUC is widely seen as the future of transportation funding yet faces public and political challenges. Washington advanced from concept to pilot testing and now proposes a small-scale start up system.
Pilot program for Washington
A pilot with 2,000 participants was conducted to test if a 2.4-cent per-mile charge would effectively replace the gas tax.
Public acceptance
Surveys revealed growing support for RUC, with 68% participants favoring it over the gas tax.
The key success factor
By listening to residents and stakeholders first, we shaped a program that resolved concerns and built trust for smarter solutions.
In January 2020, WTSC delivered a comprehensive report analyzing the legal, fiscal and policy impacts of RUC, along with 16 recommendations for implementation. The draft bill is now under review. “Our work in Washington has served as a model for how other states and even the federal government should approach RUC projects,” said Dunn. “The Legislature identified a long-term problem with the gas tax very early on. They established a process for turning a shared vision for a more equitable, sustainable road funding system into reality,” he said.