As Road User Charging Conference 2025 approaches, CiTTi Magazine profiles the experts set to speak at the world-renowned event.
Taking place on 4-5 March at the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s in Brussels, Belgium, the 22nd 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 Dr Allison C de Cerreño, Ph.D., chief operating officer at Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bridges and Tunnels (MTA Bridges and Tunnels).
Dr de Cerreño is an experienced transportation professional, with extensive knowledge and background in policy, research, project management, and operations.
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In addition to her work overseeing operations, maintenance, safety, and intelligent transportation and tolling for Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority (doing business as MTA Bridges and Tunnels), Dr de Cerreño is the project lead for New York City’s (NYC’s) Central Business District Tolling Program, which began revenue operations on January 5.
At the conference, Dr de Cerreño will discuss the challenges behind NYC’s new congestion charging zone, delving into process behind the scheme and how MTA Bridges and Tunnels aims to to adapt it in the future.
Name: Allison C de Cerreño
Job Role: Chief Operating Officer
Organisation: Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bridges and Tunnels
What is the best aspect of your job?
The best part of my job is collaborating with a talented team of professionals on impactful projects that improve the lives of millions of people.
What is the biggest challenge facing those with responsibility for user-financed transportation in 2025?
I see three main challenges: first, the persistent public resistance to tolling and other user-based charges; second, the lack of sufficient penalties for non-payment, which undermines compliance; and third, the issue of ‘leaky’ technology, which can hinder efficiency and revenue collection.
What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to implement user-financed transportation solutions?
Patience, perseverance, and a sense of humour are essential! Beyond that, it’s important to identify a champion for your initiative and be ready to invest in significant education and outreach efforts to engage stakeholders and the public.
Does legislation help or hinder development in the sector?
Legislation can be either a help or a hindrance, depending on how it is written and the requirements it imposes. Well-crafted legislation can enable progress, but poorly designed laws can create unnecessary obstacles.
How will the business of user-financed transportation have changed by 2030?
While 2030 isn’t far off, change in this industry often takes longer than we’d like. Still, I anticipate several trends continuing. The industry is increasingly adopting new technologies and improving interoperability, expanding their applications to enhance operations and user experiences.
Additionally, I expect more tolling and user-based projects to emerge as infrastructure needs grow and traditional funding sources become harder to secure. One critical area where I hope to see significant progress is in addressing the challenges of payment collection, which currently results in revenue loss and is costly and time-consuming to manage.
Why are you looking forward to speaking at Road User Charging Conference 2025?
I’m excited to share our experiences from New York City and to learn from the insights and expertise of colleagues from around the world. The conference offers a valuable opportunity for exchange and collaboration on the future of user-financed transportation.
Discover the key trends and challenges shaping the future of user-financed transportation –spanning tolling, pricing and road usage charging – at Akabo Media’s global Road User Charging Conference series. Join senior decision-makers from around the world as they tackle the issues defining the industry in Brussels (March 2025), Abu Dhabi (May 2025), Miami (September 2025), and Singapore (October 2025). Gain invaluable insights, share innovative ideas and network with global leaders driving the transformation of transportation systems. Click here to learn more and secure your place!
