Cars driving on a road
Insights
11 May 2026

The need to reform road user charging (RUC) is becoming more urgent as fuel excise declines.

To better understand Australians’ readiness for this reform, Transurban partnered with Transport Australia and Q-Free to gauge public support for a new road user charge.

The findings offer a clear and timely mandate: investment in road maintenance, congestion relief and key freight routes is urgently needed, and Australians are increasingly open to a more modern, transparent and equitable funding system - if it is designed and communicated well.

Find out more about RUC, including previous Transurban research and trials

Key findings

What Australians think: Strong Concern, Low Awareness

Australians value high-quality roads, but the vast majority don’t know how they are currently paid for.

 

Graphic containing information about what Australians think about road funding. 

 

Openness to Change: When the benefits are clear, support follows

People care less about theory and more about what improves their daily drive.

 

Graphic outlining key statistics around Australians' attitudes towards road funding changes.

 

Designing reform the right way: What Australians Expect

The public is open to reform if it is fair, phased, transparent and clearly linked to better roads.

 

Graphic outlining what Australians expect regarding road funding reform.

Find out more about RUC, including previous Transurban research and trials.

Road user charging at Transurban

 

EV sales on the rise
Australian EV sales hit an all-time record in March 2026, making up 22.9% of light vehicles sold that month. (Electric Vehicle Council)

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