News Updates

Advancing a road usage charge to secure Illinois’ transportation future

Illinois’ transportation system faces growing funding challenges as motor fuel tax revenues struggle to keep pace with rising construction costs, evolving vehicle technology, and long-term investment needs. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) Advancing a road usage charge in Illinois explores how a per-mile road usage charge (RUC) could provide a more sustainable, flexible way to fund transportation by better aligning revenues with how people use the road system. The paper builds on regional and state plans — including ON TO 2050 and the Plan of Action for Regional Transit — and responds to increasing momentum to modernize transportation user fees. 

The paper outlines why Illinois should advance a RUC feasibility study and identifies key considerations for designing a program that supports regional priorities around mobility, safety, economic prosperity, and greenhouse gas reduction. It highlights how a well-designed RUC could replace the motor fuel tax over time while offering flexibility to address congestion, fairness, and multimodal needs across northeastern Illinois. 

Key takeaways from the paper include that: 

• A road usage charge can better align transportation funding with actual road use and impacts. 
• The motor fuel tax is increasingly unsustainable as vehicles become more fuel efficient and electric vehicles become more common. 
• Illinois and the Midwest lag behind other states in exploring mileage-based user fee programs, creating an opportunity to lead. 
• A feasibility study can define program design options, address innovation opportunities, and advance state and regional policy goals. 
• A RUC could support broader outcomes, including congestion management, improved safety, emissions reduction, and stronger transit investment. 

Transitioning from the motor fuel tax to a road usage charge is a key assumption in the Financial Plan for Transportation, a required component of the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan that directs the region to show sufficient revenues will be available to cover anticipated costs over the plan horizon. Visit the 2026 RTP and Financial Plan Resource Group webpages to learn more.