Harris County Toll Road Authority to Manage TxTag Operations: A New Era for Texas Toll Roads

AUSTIN, Texas — Millions of Texans rely on toll roads daily, utilizing the TxTag system, which has faced its share of challenges. Dax Patton, a TxTag user, expressed frustration, stating, "I almost want to ask 'who hasn't had trouble with TxTag in the past or toll authorities?'" Many customers have reported issues with billing discrepancies, with some claiming they were charged for transactions they did not authorize.

Sheehan, another TxTag user, shared, "I have had friends that have had problems with billing, had gotten billed for things that they didn't do and, you know, $50 for this or $50 for that."

In response to these concerns, the Texas Transportation Commission has approved a plan for the Harris County Toll Road Authority to take over the operations of TxTag. Marc Williams, the Executive Director of TxDOT, stated, "The option that really stood out to us was to go out and solicit with some of the different toll operators in the state that also do the same processing of transactions."

Williams believes this transition will lead to reduced fees for customers, noting, "We believe this is going to help bring down the fees that customers may experience. It's also going to be a significant savings and efficiency gain for the state of Texas and for both us and the Harris County Toll Road Authority, as well."

Currently, the cost for processing a driver entering a toll gantry is approximately 30 cents per transaction. Under the new agreement, this cost is expected to be halved to around 15 cents. Williams anticipates that this change could result in savings of nearly $100 million for the state of Texas over time.

Customers will continue to have the option to pay tolls at various locations, including Austin-area TxTag walk-in centers, EZ TAG stores in Houston, and at Walmart and H-E-B locations.

Sheehan remarked, "If it makes it easier for the customer and better for the state, then it's worth doing."

The transition to the Harris County Toll Road Authority is expected to occur in phases, starting at the end of this year and extending into 2025. While toll rates will not be directly affected by this transition, adjustments may be made on January 1. Importantly, customers will still be able to use their existing TxTag to pay tolls on all toll roads across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.