PTAANZ Statement on Road User Charging

The Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand welcomes the Joint Statement from Australia’s Treasurers on road-user charging as a vital step forward. To make this reform meaningful, revenue from EV road-user charges – and eventually the replacement of fuel excise – must be prioritised for expanding transport choice and achieving mode shift, in addition to providing a more sustainable funding model for maintaining our road network. In urban areas and regional cities, this means more investment in public transport, walking, and cycling, while keeping road space available for freight and essential journeys.

Global leaders have demonstrated what works: Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing system funds world-class transport, London’s congestion charge drove major bus and cycling improvements, New Zealand’s Road User Charging contributes to public transport, road and transport safety projects, and New York’s congestion pricing will reinvest billions into modernising subways and buses. An integrated, system-wide approach is essential to meeting our region’s climate goals, with transport projected to become the largest source of emissions by 2030.

Our Association stands ready to work with governments to design a road-user charging system that delivers mode shift, equity, and greatest community benefit.