As Road User Charging Conference 2025 approaches, CiTTi Magazine profiles the experts set to speak at the world-renowned event next year.
Taking place on 4-5 March 2025 at the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s in Brussels, Belgium, the 22nd annual Road User Charging Conference will discuss the latest developments in user-financed transportation.
The prestigious two-day gathering attracts industry leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the world and serves as an essential forum for active discussion, knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning on best practices for planning, financing, implementing, operating and maintaining tolling, road usage charging and mobility pricing schemes on motorways, highways and in urban environments.
One of the experts confirmed to speak at the event is Dr Üsame Ekici, civil engineer at the Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure of the Turkish Republic.
Dr Ekici received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Gazi University in 2011 and his MSc in railway systems engineering and integration from the University of Birmingham in 2013.
He began his professional career as a civil engineer at Turkish State Railways in 2014 and has worked at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey since 2016.
Alongside his career, Dr Ekici completed a second bachelor’s degree in business management at Anadolu University and a second master’s degree in civil engineering (structures) at Gazi University, before earning his PhD in civil engineering (transportation) from Middle East Technical University in 2022.
At the conference, Dr Ekici will present Türkiye’s high-speed toll system, providing an overview of the history of tolling and payment methods on Türkiye’s highways, before sharing insights on the benefits of the country’s conversion to high-speed tolling system, and discussing different road-user charging rates such as taxes and toll fares.
Name: Dr Üsame Ekici
Job Role: Civil Engineer
Organisation: Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure of the Turkish Republic
What is the best aspect of your job?
The opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient transportation systems. Seeing tangible results, such as improved infrastructure, enhanced user satisfaction and reduced environmental impact, is incredibly rewarding. This aligns with my passion for driving innovation in the transportation sector.
What is the biggest challenge facing those with responsibility for user-financed transportation in 2025?
The biggest challenge will be balancing affordability for users with the need to generate sufficient revenue for infrastructure development and maintenance. Additionally, addressing public acceptance and equity concerns, especially during periods of economic uncertainty and rising operational costs, will be a major hurdle.
What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to implement user-financed transportation solutions?
Focus on transparency and building user trust from the outset. Clearly communicate the benefits, such as improved infrastructure, reduced congestion and long-term cost savings, while ensuring that systems are fair and responsive to the diverse needs of users.
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Does legislation help or hinder development in the sector?
Legislation can act as both a catalyst and a barrier to development. Well-designed policies provide a framework that supports innovation, sustainability and equity, but overly rigid or outdated regulations can hinder progress and cause unnecessary delays.
How will the business of user-financed transportation have changed by 2030?
By 2030, advancements in technology – such as AI, smart infrastructure and data-driven systems – will revolutionise user-financed transportation. Payment mechanisms will become more integrated and dynamic, with real-time adjustments based on congestion, environmental impact and user behaviour. This will enhance both efficiency and sustainability.
Why are you looking forward to speaking at Road User Charging Conference 2025?
I’m excited to share insights and engage with industry leaders on solutions to the evolving challenges in user-financed transportation. The conference provides a valuable platform to exchange ideas, showcase innovative approaches and collaborate on strategies that will shape the future of transportation systems.
Public sector professionals can register for a FREE delegate pass by clicking here. Don’t miss the opportunity to join the global conversation shaping the future of transportation and infrastructure funding!
