RUC America (previously known as RUC West) is a voluntary coalition of state Departments of Transportation and provincial Ministries of Transport that are committed to collaborative research and development of a potential new transportation funding method that would collect a road usage charge (RUC) based on actual road usage. Through the leadership of the Consortium, member states and provinces will have the research, technical expertise, operational understanding, and member support to be poised to initiate an effective interoperable RUC system investigation, demonstration, or implementation, if and when desired. The primary purpose of a road usage charging system is to generate revenue to fund roadway maintenance and improvements. Members are free to determine if or how they wish to implement road usage charging systems—they are not required to adopt or advocate the system(s) used by other Members. When developing a road usage charging system(s), some of the objectives to consider are an open system to foster competition in the market for providing RUC services; choice in how a road usage charge would be assessed and paid; and the compatibility with readily-available and affordable consumer products and technologies. Although not all Members may be interested in implementing a road usage charging system, there are some common goals among all Members investigating and researching this alternative funding mechanism. RUC America was created by adoption of an Organizational Charter that further details the Mission; Vision; Purpose; Goals; Guiding Principles; Organizational Structure (including membership and minimum funding requirements); Governance; and Administrative Duties. The Charter is attached to this solicitation.

• Explore the technical and operational feasibility of a multi-jurisdictional road usage charge system. • Investigate public and key decision maker criteria for acceptance and share experience and lessons learned to foster positive outcomes. • Develop standards and protocols for how road use charges could best be collected and remitted among the various jurisdictions. • Develop preliminary operational concepts for how a multi-jurisdictional road usage charge system could be administered. • Develop a model for regional cooperation and interoperability that can be used in the Western region and potentially across North America. • Engage the automotive manufacturing and technology sector to encourage the ability for mileage reporting to occur in conjunction with other products and services the sector provides in the marketplace. • Share knowledge to maximize the preparedness for and efficiency of policy and program development for road usage charging among the members.

Subject to available Transportation Pooled Fund resources and separate funding from Consortium Members, the Work Plan will undertake select topics, research, projects and activities that fall within the following areas: • Legal and Institutional arrangements for implementing an RUC. • Public policy analysis and development. • Public Information/Communications. • Technical research and system development. • Consumer-oriented system design. • Identification of essential requirements to create a regional RUC system. • Multi-jurisdictional issues such as revenue allocation, cost sharing, compliance, enforcement, interoperability, clearinghouse setup and operations, and dispute resolution. • Applicability and compatibility with federal programs, rules or laws including the directing and shaping of national guidelines based on the best practices developed by the Consortia. • Establishment of system standards and a certifications process that promotes and ensures: o Accuracy o Security o Tamper resistance • Economic impacts • Business models for program operations, including alternatives that optimize the use of private industry and marketplace forces to drive efficiencies and consumer acceptance. • National and/or federal RUC considerations

In June 2022, RUC West was rebranded as RUC America.