Road Charge Projects
Technology is changing the way Californians move around the state. Not only are people driving more fuel-efficient and electric cars, they’re also using rideshare apps instead of driving. Use of transit and active transportation is growing. Freight patterns are shifting. Government agencies and private companies alike are also testing autonomous vehicle systems. The landscape of how we travel in California is changing. We have to prepare for the future and that includes how we fund road infrastructure.
Public/Private Roads Project
The Public/Private Roads Project tested the ability of current GPS technology to differentiate when a car is driving on a public versus a private road, while protecting the user’s privacy.
California Four Phase Demonstration
In 2021 California tested how road charge could work with four technologies: usage-based insurance, ridesharing, EV charging stations/pay-at-the-pump systems, and autonomous vehicles.
Road Charge Collection Pilot
Testing of revenue collection was identified as a next step in the 2017 Road Charge Pilot Final Report. The upcoming collection pilot will allow California to evaluate revenue flows and allow for the identification of challenges, efficiencies, and synergies for potential future road charge implementation.
RUC West Regional Pilot
A first of its kind demonstration that will integrate road charge data from vehicles spanning multiple states, setting the stage for a regional system and pilot test.
UC Berkeley Research
A research team from the University of California-Berkeley is partnering with Caltrans to examine how elements of a road charge system would impact statewide undeserved communities.
California’s 2017 Road Charge Pilot
In 2016-17 California ran the largest road charge test in the nation, piloting more than 5,000 vehicles reporting more than 37 million miles over nine months.
Communications Research
This 2020 study investigates disadvantaged communities' understanding of transportation funding and their responses to and priorities for a road charge concept.
