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.
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One of the experts confirmed to speak at the event is Mária Mardzinová, manager for mobility and toll solutions at SkyToll.
Mardzinová has been with SkyToll for more than 15 years and has contributed to strategic projects, including electronic toll systems in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, in addition to e-vignette systems in Slovakia and Slovenia.
Mardzinová is also responsible for the business analysis and architecture of mobility and tolling solutions. Part of her role involves identifying new opportunities in the ever-evolving field of mobility and tolling, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry developments.
At the conference, she will discuss tolling in Croatia and the key challenges and benefits with transitioning from manual tolling to a multi-lane free-flow system.
Additionally, Mardzinová will delve into the aspects of managing toll authority-led pricing, performance-based tolling, local discounts and lessons from Croatia’s model for efficient and sustainable road user charging of light vehicles.
Name: Mária Mardzinová
Job Role: Manager for Mobility and Toll Solutions
Organisation: SkyToll
What is the best aspect of your job?
The constant evolution and new challenges it brings across various areas. Our solutions have a tangible impact on improving lives and the environment, by enabling free-flow traffic, reducing congestion and encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles. In emerging countries, where tolling is often used to co-fund new road infrastructure, it plays a significant role in fostering development and enhancing living conditions.
What is the biggest challenge facing those with responsibility for user-financed transportation in 2025?
Balancing the need for sustainable infrastructure funding with public acceptance and equity. As technologies evolve and societal demands for greener, more efficient transportation systems grow, decision-makers must address complex issues such as implementing distance-based charging, integrating new technologies, ensuring data security and maintaining transparency. Additionally, they must navigate the political and social pressures to ensure that solutions are fair, inclusive and adaptable to varying economic conditions and regional needs.
What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to implement user-financed transportation solutions?
Engage all key stakeholders early, including road users, policymakers and industry experts, to address concerns and gather valuable input. Additionally, ensure the solution is flexible enough to adapt to future technological advancements and evolving user needs while being fair and equitable for all.
Does legislation help or hinder development in the sector?
Both. Legislation provides a framework for innovation and fairness but can stifle progress if overly rigid or outdated. Striking a balance between clear guidance and flexibility is key to supporting development.
How will the business of user-financed transportation have changed by 2030?
By 2030, user-financed transportation will likely be more technology-driven, with widespread adoption of distance-based charging and automated payment systems. Sustainability will play a central role, with policies encouraging cleaner vehicles and reduced emissions. Additionally, data integration and real-time analytics will enable more efficient operations, while user-centric solutions will ensure greater equity and public acceptance.
Why are you looking forward to speaking at Road User Charging Conference 2025?
It provides an invaluable opportunity to share insights and exchange experiences with industry peers. The attendees, especially representatives of road authorities and ministries, can affect legislation, making this an ideal platform to present proven solutions, address challenges and highlight emerging trends in technology. As distance-based charging for light vehicles has been a recurring topic at the conference, I am eager to contribute to the discussion by sharing our practical experiences and lessons learned in this area.
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!
