Read the Forward Drive Final Report

The Washington State Transportation Commission’s most recent road usage charge (RUC) project, Forward Drive, took place from 2020-2023 and is complete. Research included equity analysis, outreach, and pilot testing, focusing on near-term implementation solutions. Read the full report here.

Welcome to the home of the Washington Road Usage Charge (RUC) Assessment and Pilot Project, an effort of the Washington State Transportation Commission. Please explore this site to learn more about what a RUC is, work that has been done to explore its potential as a fair and sustainable gas tax replacement for Washington drivers and residents, and what is next!

GAS TAX

For over a century, Washington drivers have helped fund roads and bridges through a gas tax, whenever they fill up at the pump.

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SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

As cars become more fuel efficient and drivers pay less gas tax, we need a new way to fund our roads.

ROAD USAGE CHARGE (RUC)

That's where a pay-per-mile road usage charge comes in.

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A Road Usage Charge is:

  • A per-mile charge based on the number of miles driven (not gallons of gas purchased)
  • Not in addition to the gas tax – drivers will get a credit for gas taxes paid which can be used to pay their RUC charges
  • A reliable source of funding that doesn't rely on consuming fossil fuels
  • A fair way to pay in which everyone contributes based on what they use

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What does RUC mean for Washington drivers?

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KEY RUC CONSIDERATIONS

As Washington prepares for a future RUC system to fund transportation, these three priorities must be addressed:

Privacy Protection

Offer drivers choice in reporting miles driven and enact strong protections on access to and usage of miles driven data in law

Equity

Ensure all drivers pay for miles driven, regardless of what kind of car they drive

Harmonize Climate Goals

Reduce reliance on fossil fuels as the state transitions to zero-emission vehicles