The Government is prioritising the development of improved retail services to modernize how New Zealanders pay their road user charges (RUC). These services aim to offer a contemporary, user-friendly alternative to the country’s current, predominantly manual payment system.

Retail services encompass any system or process that facilitates the purchase, measurement, or management of RUC, and the goal is to make these services accessible and convenient for all road users. With this in mind, the Government has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from interested parties. This feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the policy, legislative, and regulatory framework for a future-proofed RUC system that will apply to all vehicles across New Zealand.

As part of the initiative, the Government sees potential opportunities for the road transport industry to participate in and benefit from a growing RUC retail market. By fostering innovation within this space, businesses in the sector could contribute to creating a more efficient, customer-focused solution for managing road user charges. 

The RFI is open until 12 December 2024, and the related documents are available on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website. Stakeholders across industries are encouraged to provide their insights and ideas for a revamped RUC system that works better for all New Zealanders. 

This development is a significant step towards improving transportation efficiency and accessibility in the country, setting the stage for a smarter and more streamlined approach to road user charges in the years to come.