Taking place on 3-4 March at the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s in Brussels, Belgium, the 23rd annual Road User Charging Conference will explore the latest advancements in user-financed transportation.

The prestigious two-day event gathers industry leaders, policymakers and innovators from around the world.

It serves as a vital forum for discussions, knowledge exchange and peer learning on best practices for planning, financing, implementing, operating and maintaining tolling, road usage charging and mobility pricing schemes across motorways, highways and urban areas.

One of the experts confirmed to speak at the event is Sophia Chan, executive science and technology policy fellow at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Chan specialises in mileage-based user fee (MBUF). She has researched and presented to multiple domestic and international conferences on lessons learned in state MBUF pilot projects and considerations for the national MBUF pilot project.

Chan has also previously worked for U.S. Senator Whitehouse, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and Tesla. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley.

At this year’s conference, Chan will discuss state vs. federal mileage-based user fee programmes perspectives.

Name: Sophia Chan

Job Role: Executive Science and Technology Policy Fellow

Organisation: American Association for the Advancement of Science 

What is the best aspect of your job?
I get to spend all day thinking and talking about transportation! 

What is the most pressing challenge for user-financed transportation in 2026? 
In the US, the gas tax is effectively invisible. The vast majority of users have no idea they pay a gas tax, let alone how much it is. A mileage-based user fee is much more visible, and it could easily be misconstrued as an additional tax rather than a replacement tax. Outreach and myth-busting is critical. 

What is your best piece of advice for those implementing user-financed transport schemes? 
Diversify how you engage with users. If this programme is going to affect all EV users, determine the best ways to engage with them. If this programme is going to affect all passenger vehicle users, determine the best ways to engage with them. 

Does legislation support or hinder innovation in this sector?
Quality legislation (e.g., identifying the best departments to take responsibility and lead) and appropriations (e.g., funds for pilot projects and outreach) can help sector development; restrictive legislation (e.g., dictating types of technology and rates) would hinder it. 

How will user-financed transport schemes evolve by 2030? 
There are technologies that are looking to streamline all road user charging in the car without external technologies, which would combine fees like tolling, mileage-based user fees, low-emission zones, and congestion pricing. By 2030, these technologies may be mature enough for automakers to install them in new vehicles for the ease of users. In addition, the growth of AI will make the handling of individual choices and a broader selection of customization without the additional burden or increase operational costs.  

Why are you looking forward to speaking at Road User Charging Conference Europe 2026? 
This will be my first time speaking for RUC 2026!