In 2001, the Oregon State Legislature authorized the creation of the Road User Fee Task Force to examine various revenue raising alternatives.

Last raised in 1993 (until the 2009 Jobs and Transportation Act), the gas tax had lost much of its purchasing power. In addition, the increase in the number of fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrids, alternative-fuel and electric vehicles, is increasingly resulting in less gas tax paid. Oregon, other states and other countries are all grappling with a similar situation and Oregon leads the way in preparing for the future. 

In 2007, at the direction of RUFTF, ODOT tested a road user fee, or "per mile charge," in a pilot project in Portland. In 2012, ODOT tested a refined version of the pilot, based on lessons learned and focused on vehicles getting more than 55 mph. This pilot, called the Road Usage Charge Pilot Project, concluded in January, 2013. ODOT prepared a report for the 2013 Oregon Legislature, as requested.