Identify viable RUC technologies
The team evaluated nine mileage collection technologies against criteria such as accuracy, cost effectiveness, privacy protection, equity, user experience, and scalability.
Practices
Evaluating mileage-collection technologies for a future federal RUC
Fuel tax revenues, the backbone of U.S. transportation funding since the 1930s, are declining as vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electric. To explore alternatives, Congress authorized pilot programs to test RUC based on miles driven rather than fuel consumed. FHWA engaged CDM Smith to identify, evaluate, and test mileage-collection technologies that could support a future national RUC pilot. The effort focused on understanding technical feasibility, policy implications, privacy protections, equity considerations, and scalability, while validating real-world performance through a proof-of-concept test using anonymized operational data.
Advance proof of concept testing
Five technologies were selected for small-scale testing using anonymized data from existing operational systems to validate feasibility for federal application.
Analyze technical and policy impacts
CDM Smith supported assessment of security, privacy, administrative cost, enforcement considerations, and implications for light duty and heavy vehicles.
Inform national pilot decisions
The project's findings documented technology readiness and limitations, helping FHWA understand tradeoffs that could shape a future national RUC pilot.
FHWA’s proof-of-concept testing demonstrated that multiple technologies could support a federal RUC program, with tradeoffs in cost, accuracy, privacy, and user adoption. Results showed that OBD-II devices currently offer the most practical option for location-based mileage tracking in light vehicles, while automaker telematics present strong long-term potential for scale. The research also confirmed that protecting privacy, controlling costs, and ensuring a positive user experience are critical to public acceptance. By translating technical evaluation into actionable recommendations, CDM Smith helped FHWA move closer to a resilient, equitable, and sustainable alternative to fuel-tax-based transportation funding.