TAIPEI, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A major step toward advancing road user charging (RUC) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in the Asia-Pacific region has been achieved with the formation of the Asia-Pacific Road User Charging Alliance (APRUCA). Initiated by ITS Taiwan, ITS Thailand, ITS India Forum, and ITS New Zealand at 2025 Smart Mobility Summit, the alliance unites ITS associations, key transportation agencies and industry leaders to foster collaboration, share best practices, and tackle regional challenges in road pricing and mobility management. FETC International and its parent company, FETC, co-organized the Smart Mobility Summit and played a pivotal role in supporting the alliance's formation.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was officially signed at the Smart Mobility Summit on March 19 in Taipei, signifying a strategic commitment to knowledge exchange and policy development. Under this agreement, member organizations will take turns hosting the Asia-Pacific Road User Charging gathering, providing a platform for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and transportation experts to share insights and jointly address pressing mobility challenges.

Strengthening Regional Collaboration in Smart Mobility

"As Taipei prepares to host the 2029 ITS World Congress, joining this alliance demonstrates our commitment to regional cooperation," said Yi-Fang Shih, President of ITS Taiwan. "We believe this initiative will foster innovative ITS applications across Asia-Pacific and contribute valuable insights to the global community."

The alliance will explore advancements in electronic toll collection, congestion pricing, road pricing, and emerging technologies, including AI-driven traffic management and data-driven pricing models.

Dr. YC Chang, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of ITS Taiwan, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: "By working together, we can develop innovative and sustainable road pricing mechanisms that enhance efficiency and fairness in transportation."

Advancing Sustainable and Smart Road Pricing

"RUC is a transformative policy tool that not only optimizes traffic flow but also ensures sustainable funding for transport infrastructure," said Dr. Tongkarn Kaewchalermtong, President of ITS Thailand. "Through this alliance, we aim to advance RUC technologies and implementation strategies in alignment with global best practices."

Echoing this sentiment, Akhilesh Srivastava, President of ITS India Forum, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: "The formation of this alliance represents a step forward in fostering global knowledge exchange, innovation in road user charging, and the pursuit of net zero goals."

Armin Guttke, President of ITS New Zealand, underscored the alliance's importance in shaping the future of transportation: "We are excited to join this alliance, which is vital for contributing to effective road pricing solutions through regional collaboration, ensuring outcomes that support the economy, environment, and society for a sustainable future."

A Call for Broader Participation

The alliance welcomes ITS associations, transport agencies, and toll operators to join in advancing road user charging solutions that benefit governments, operators, and road users alike.

By leveraging regional expertise and fostering cross-border cooperation, the Asia-Pacific Road User Charging Alliance aims to create a more efficient, sustainable, and technology-driven future for transportation in the region.