Australia’s transport technology sector is increasingly aligned on the need to replace fuel excise with a road user charging model, according to a new ITS Australia industry survey.
The survey found strong support for reform that can provide a more sustainable source of road funding as vehicle fleets become more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles take a growing share of the market.
For fleet operators, the direction of travel is significant. A future charging system could alter how organisations budget for vehicle use, measure operating costs and assess the relative cost of different vehicle technologies.
ITS Australia said respondents supported a staged approach, beginning with simple odometer-based distance charging before progressing to more sophisticated systems as technology, policy settings and public understanding develop.
The industry survey identified revenue sustainability and fairness across all vehicle types as the primary policy objectives. It also found support for national coordination, common standards and interoperable systems across jurisdictions.
Susan Harris, Chief Executive Officer of ITS Australia, said the results showed a pragmatic consensus across the sector.
“What we’re seeing from industry is a strong alignment on both the need for reform and how to approach it,” Ms Harris said.
“There is clear support for a measured transition to road user charging – one that starts simply, prioritises fairness, and builds trust with the community through transparency and strong privacy protections.”
The emphasis on a nationally consistent model will be particularly relevant for fleet operators with vehicles working across state borders. Differing state-based systems, reporting requirements or charging structures could add complexity for national fleets, leasing companies and fleet-management providers.
The survey also highlighted that equity must be central to any future model, particularly for regional, remote and lower-income road users. That consideration will be important for fleets operating in regional Australia, where longer distances and limited transport alternatives may create a disproportionate cost impact under a distance-based charging system.
Privacy and transparency were also identified as essential to securing community confidence. While technology could eventually enable more tailored charging models based on time, location or road type, the industry view is that reform should initially remain simple and easy to understand.
Australia already has extensive experience in electronic tolling and interoperable payment systems, which ITS Australia says provides a strong foundation for future road user charging reform.
The findings align with recent public polling referenced by ITS Australia, which indicated growing support for a move from fuel excise to distance-based charging.
Road user charging will be a key topic at the ITS Australia Global Summit in Melbourne from 22 to 24 September 2026.
For fleet managers, the message is clear: while a national road user charging model may still be some way off, fleet data, odometer accuracy and a clear understanding of per-kilometre operating costs will become increasingly important as policy development continues.
