Roads, Revenue, and Responsibility: RTT Outcomes

Co-founder and CEO of Compass IoT Emily Bobis emphasised that social license is a necessary precursor to broadbase rollout of already proven technologies.

“We use connected vehicle data insights to help transport professionals build better, safer, more resilient cities,” Ms Bobis said.

“Historically, that meant broad pattern analysis, but now we’re moving into real-time, VIN-level intelligence that can directly support safer roads and smarter pricing. The tech exists, the insights are there, and the challenge now is creating trust and consistency so we can apply them meaningfully.”

While traveller safety remains a longstanding priority, an emerging theme from attendees was the need for similar systemic attention on frontline and maintenance worker safety, particularly given the rise in remote and technology-assisted operations.

Sessions also delved into the practical realities of implementation, covering everything from smartphone-based tracking and GDPR-compliant data systems to cross-border enforcement and freight industry trials.

Speakers from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe offered perspectives on what works, what doesn’t, and what must be adapted to local contexts. Among them was Silje Troseth, Vice President APAC & General Manager Australia at Q-Free, who has been advising on the national RUC rollout for Denmark’s Ministry of Finance.

“It’s often not the technology; it’s the policy, the acceptability, and the social licence,” said Ms. Troseth. “What’s changed now is that the financial cliff edge is real. We need to get ahead of it with public trust, simplicity, and strong governance. Otherwise, we’ll see great solutions stall before they start.”

Ms. Troseth emphasised that “without social licence, RUC will struggle to scale. Bringing the public on the journey — explaining the link between road use, funding, and infrastructure — is essential for long-term success.”

Digital system design also featured prominently across the program. Topics included AI-enhanced customer service, tokenised payments, the Essential Eight cybersecurity standards, and real-time data exchange between public agencies and private operators. The message across these sessions was clear: intelligent transport solutions must be designed not only to work, but to work together, as a coherent ecosystem.

One of the most consistent takeaways from the event was the need for cross-sector forums to test assumptions, build shared language, and identify gaps.

ITS Australia CEO Susan Harris reinforced this point in her closing remarks, noting that while the pace of change is rapid, the industry has never been better placed to lead.

“We’re seeing a willingness to engage with complexity,” Ms Harris said. “These aren’t just tech problems or policy problems; they’re system-wide.

“We want a vibrant industry that’s connected, competitive, and able to innovate. We’re working to support our members not only through events like this, but by creating shared opportunities to build trust in the technology, engage communities, and bring great solutions to all Australians, not just those in big cities.

“It’s a growing, thriving space, and we’re proud to play a role in shaping it. Conferences like this create the space to connect across industry, government and academia, and ultimately to find practical ways forward.”

Upcoming ITS Australia Events

Mobility 2025 Conference

15–16 May 2025, Sydney, NSW

A pivotal platform for shared mobility, payment systems, and sustainable transport innovations

ITS Australia Summit 2025

19–21 November 2025, Gold Coast, QLD

The nation’s flagship ITS event—bringing together government, academia, and industry to showcase next-generation transport tech

For more information on upcoming events: its-australia.com.au/events