Overview of Road User Charges (RUCs)
The PNG Road Fund is dedicated to maintaining and improving our country’s road infrastructure, which has suffered from years of underfunding and wear. According to the National Road Network Strategy (NRNS), a lack of regular maintenance has led to accelerated degradation of our national road network, affecting safety, access, and economic productivity. Road User Charges (RUCs) are designed to address this funding gap by generating sustainable revenue specifically for road maintenance, ensuring PNG’s roads are safe and reliable for all users.
What are Road User Charges?
Road User Charges are fees collected to support the upkeep of the road network. These charges help distribute maintenance costs among those who use and rely on the infrastructure, enabling consistent and proactive road care.
Why Are RUCs Important?
The NRNS highlights that delayed or insufficient maintenance accelerates road degradation, increasing costs exponentially over time. RUCs provide a critical revenue stream dedicated to preserving the quality of our roads, preventing costly deterioration, and keeping travel safe and efficient for all road users. By contributing to the road network’s upkeep, RUCs ensure that roads are maintained proactively, reducing future repair costs and improving the longevity of the infrastructure
