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Roadside "Welcome to Utah" sign with a mileage counter overlay and desert landscape.Roadside "Welcome to Utah" sign with a mileage counter overlay and desert landscape.

Utah deploys nation’s second RUC program 

The Utah Department of Transportation’s RUC program pioneers fair, sustainable funding, ensuring all drivers contribute to a future beyond the gas tax.

Client

UDOT

Location

Taylorsville, Utah

Connect with an expert

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Jenny Roberts PE
National Road Usage Charge Discipline Leader

Meeting Utah’s transportation funding challenge  

Once reliant on fuel taxes to fund its transportation network, Utah faced mounting challenges as alternative fuel vehicles grew in popularity. In just 20 months, UDOT, working with CDM Smith, moved from legislation to live operation, becoming the second state in the nation to launch a successful RUC program.  

A distinctive program payment structure 

EV drivers have two options: pay the existing registration surcharge or enroll in the RUC program at 1 cent per mile, capped at the surcharge amount. 

Open and honest public communication 

A workshop helped the team map scenarios for moving all vehicles to RUC by 2032, incorporating feedback and addressing concerns from residents. 

Simplified payments with advanced technology  

Drivers track mileage via telematics, pay from digital wallets, and submit annual odometer photos to confirm mileage accuracy. 

Primed for RUC expansion down the road 

UDOT continues to work towards refining its RUC system, ensuring funding stability and offering drivers choice and flexibility.

“I am proud to partner with UDOT on advancing one of the nation’s most innovative RUC programs,” said Jenny Roberts, project technical lead. “Utah is a leader in the exploration and creation of transportation funding solutions for the future, and CDM Smith is excited to be working alongside UDOT to bring sustainable funding to Utahns,” she says.  

CDM Smith continues to provide comprehensive support to UDOT in refining the program’s design, streamlining operations, and enhancing user experience to ensure that Utah’s transportation network remains equitable, resilient, and ready for future growth. 

Curious to learn more?

Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.

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Jenny Roberts

Management Specialist

Jenny brings transportation planning and traffic engineering experience, designing, and implementing road usage charging (RUC) projects and managing large teams.

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