RUC meeting minutes - August 2026

Technical Advisory Committee on Road Usage Charge meeting

Michigan Department of Transportation
Aeronautics Building
2700 Port Lansing Rd.
Lansing MI 48906

Monday, August 24, 2026
1-2:30 p.m. EST

Meeting notes:

• Paul McDonald provided a quick update and introduction of CDM Smith.
• CDM Smith shared project updates on the following:
  • Public Outreach Subcommittee is to help educate the public. This committee discussed focus groups in each region, they will conduct one-on-one interviews with anticipated partners and potential skeptics. This group will help increase awareness, educate, and recruit. Discussed audience mapping of key partners, communication channels and outreach opportunities, as well as outreach risk and opportunities.
  • Pilot Design Subcommittee will discuss who we want to include, geographic distribution, rural, urban, suburban, age, engine types, and occupations. We are not considering the trucking industry and will focus on passenger vehicles only. Mileage reporting options (MRO’s) include odometer reporting, in-vehicle telematics, plug in device, or a smartphone application. They will look into rate setting options, user experiences, monthly statements, contact for data and privacy inquiries, and an initial, mid and post pilot surveys. We will not use a digital wallet or simulated payments. Evaluation criteria that will be measured will include, participant experience, public and fairness, data accuracy, data security and privacy, and operational scalability.
  • We are working on a visual identity for the program, trademark or branding.
  • Creation of a Legislation Advisory committee will include members in Legislature and 3-5 TAC members, sometime after January 1 when new legislative members take office. This will provide a Legislative framework.
  • The TAC was asked to review the Concept of Operations Overview. This document defines how the proposed system will operate, build shared understanding, provide foundation for detailed requirements and communicates system purpose and operation for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Data management plan and evaluation plan are core documents to make sure the pilot meets MDOT’s needs.
  • Next steps are end of August finalize concept of operations and pilot design.
• Public Comment
  • Former MSP officer. When I look at a solution I ask what is the problem. Right now the issue is less than 2% (1.2% of vehicles are EV). If the RUC is meant to supplement the gas tax decrease due to EV we aren’t close to needing this change. We need to address or look at other options and needs. Our weight limits are double what the weight limits are in our surrounding states. Our roads are taking on more damage due to this compared to other states.

  Meeting was adjourned at 2:12 pm.