November 8, 2024
AUSTIN – To help provide the best customer service and toll billing experience, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is partnering with the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA).
HCTRA will take over toll billing and customer service operations, providing a more regional approach that will improve the user experience through consolidated invoicing and support. After a transition period, HCTRA will handle all toll transaction processing, billing and account management for customers who use TxDOT’s toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions.
“HCTRA has successfully performed toll services as its core business for 40 years, and we expect them to deliver reliable, high-quality service for our Central Texas and Houston toll road customers,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “This will bring significant savings and efficiency gain for the state of Texas. Customers could see less fees and it’ll help keep tolls low going forward.”
Benefits for customers include simplifying billing and avoiding fees from multiple toll operators in the same region. TxDOT will also have operational efficiencies to process tolls that will result in millions of dollars in savings.
TxDOT entered a Toll Services Agreement with HCTRA on Nov. 6, 2024. Under this agreement, TxDOT will continue to own and maintain its toll roads in the Austin and Houston metro areas, and the Texas Transportation Commission will retain responsibility for setting toll rates on TxDOT-owned roads.
TxTag.org and TxTag systems will go into maintenance mode starting at close of business Friday, Nov. 15 until Monday, Nov. 18 to prepare accounts for transfer to HCTRA. During this period, customers will not be able to log in to their accounts, update account information, make payments or receive account-specific assistance from customer service representatives. Customers with Pay By Mail accounts or accounts not transferred to HCTRA who need to pay outstanding invoices, will be able to contact TxTag starting Monday, Nov. 18 to make payments.
Customers traveling on TxDOT toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions on or after Nov. 9, will be billed through HCTRA rather than TxTag. Customers whose accounts are transferred to HCTRA will not be able to access their account until Dec. 2. There will be no late fees assessed during the blackout period. More information about these blackout periods can be found on TxTag.org.
If you have a TxTag account and your credit card is up to date, you do not need to do anything now. You can still use your TxTag as usual, then create a new online account with HCTRA after the blackout period ends on Dec. 2 to pay your future bills.
TxDOT would like drivers to be aware of important changes following the switch to HCTRA’s tolling system:
- TxTag accounts: TxTag customers with accounts migrated to HCTRA will transition to an EZ TAG account and manage their account at HCTRA.org instead of TxTag.org. Your TxTag will continue to work on toll roads throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and information will be provided about how to log in to a HCTRA online account.
- Non-tag billings: To simplify billing, customers without a toll tag will receive a single statement from HCTRA for both TxDOT and HCTRA toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions. TxDOT will continue to collect past due toll bills generated prior to the transition.
- Walk-in centers: Customers will have more options to pay tolls and manage their account in person. After the transition, they can visit any of the EZ TAG stores in the Houston or Austin area or pay tolls at Walmart, H-E-B and other HCTRA retail partners around the state.
- Non-tag fees: After the planned migration to HCTRA, non-tag customers will receive one bill for travel on TxDOT and HCTRA toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions. This EZ Invoice sent by HCTRA will include only the fees under HCTRA invoicing structure. Austin drivers without a tag will continue to receive separate bills on Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll roads.
Drivers with a prepaid toll tag account always pay the lowest toll rates. TxDOT encourages non-tag customers to avoid bill confusion or higher toll rates and fees by paying any overdue toll bills and signing up now for a tag. More details about the transition are at txtag.org where TxDOT will continue to provide updated information.
September 11, 2024
AUSTIN – Texting scams are targeting toll customers in Texas saying they’re from TxTag, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is warning everyone to be on the lookout.
There have been multiple reports of TxTag customers receiving text messages claiming to have a balance due or past due. These SMS text phishing scams, also known as smishing, have been occurring since April, but appear to have increased recently. TxDOT is working to have fraudulent websites taken down in hopes of preventing customers from becoming victims.
TxTag takes customer account security and verification very seriously. While TxTag currently communicates with customers via email, text and outbound phone calls, it will not send text messages regarding final payment reminders or past due balances. Any text messages sent to TxTag customers will be sent from 22498.
TxDOT asks TxTag customers to be vigilant of these ongoing scams. Should customers receive an unsolicited text, email or message purporting to be from TxTag or another toll agency, do not click on any links and do not call TxTag's customer service phone number. Please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
Emails and texts are sent to the email address and/or the phone number that customers provide in their account. Customers are required to opt into email and/or text notifications in order to receive emails and/or texts from TxTag. If customers are unsure if they are opted into email and/or text notifications, they can log into their TxTag online account or contact TxTag customer service to confirm.
TxTag requires all customers to confirm their account information and verify their identity before providing any information to ensure they are speaking with the correct person on the account.
The FBI posted more information on this scam online.
April 19, 2024
AUSTIN – TxTag was made aware of a recent SMS text phishing scam, also known as smishing, which targets toll customers, including TxTag customers. TxTag takes customer account security and verification very seriously.
TxTag currently communicates with customers via email, text and outbound phone calls. Emails and texts are sent to the email address and/or the phone number that customers provide in their account. Customers are required to opt into email and/or text notifications in order to receive emails and/or texts from TxTag. If customers are unsure if they are opted into email and/or text notifications, they can log into their TxTag online account or contact TxTag customer service to confirm.
We require all customers to confirm their account information and verify their identity before providing any information to ensure we are speaking with the correct person on the account. Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or message purporting to be from TxTag or another toll agency should not click on or open any links.
If a customer receives a phone call, email or text message they believe may be a scam, they should contact TxTag customer service directly at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-468-9824.
We also recommend customers bookmark TxTag.org in their preferred internet browser to ensure they are navigating to TxTag’s official site rather than utilizing search engines.
Anyone who believes they have received a fraudulent text should file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. For more information regarding this scam, please visit https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2024/PSA240412.
Dec. 23, 2019
AUSTIN – TxDOT's annual toll rate increase is set to start Jan. 1, 2020. The biggest increase will be felt by drivers who still pay by mail, as the surcharge for those transactions will increase to 50 percent of the base rate paid by all toll users. This means motorists with a TxTag account will experience an even larger comparative discount on tolls – a discount of 33 percent compared to Pay By Mail rates.
The 50 percent surcharge for Pay By Mail transactions helps defray the rising administrative costs associated with these mailed payments, such as viewing license plate images, generating and mailing invoices and processing payments. Raising this surcharge to 50 percent also brings TxDOT Pay By Mail rates in line with other toll authorities in Austin and Dallas and across the country, and further incentivizes having a TxTag account.
TxTag users always pay the lowest tolls. For example, a TxTag driver traveling on SH 130 from I-35 to Parmer Lane will be charged a discounted toll of $3.76, as opposed to a Pay By Mail customer who will be charged $5.64 for the same distance. TxTag customers also avoid the extra fees and inconvenience of paying by mail, and when signing up for AutoPay with a credit or debit card, the TxTag sticker is free. TxTag works on all toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
It's fast and easy to sign up for TxTag online at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-468-9824. Central Texas drivers also can pick up a TxTag in person at the TxTag Customer Service Center at 12719 Burnet Road in Austin and Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Offices in Georgetown, Pflugerville and New Braunfels.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.
Oct. 31, 2016
AUSTIN – In an ongoing effort to address traffic congestion, the Texas Department of Transportation will launch Phase 2 of the Truck Toll Discount Program as authorized by the 84th Legislature. The discount program begins tomorrow and gives trucks a break on the cost of tolls when they drive on State Highway 130 (from the I-35 exit in Georgetown to US 183 exit in Buda) and State Highway 45SE. The Phase 2 truck toll discount is expected to run through Aug. 31, 2017.
"By incentivizing truck drivers to use SH 130 during peak hours, we hope to help ease some of the gridlock we see on I-35 through Austin," said Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director James Bass."Diverting these trucks will not only benefit the truck drivers, but also commuters on I-35 who will have less traffic to contend with while trying to reach their destinations."
Phase 2: Nov. 1 - Aug. 31, 2017 (Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
During this discount period, trucks with a valid TxTag that travel on SH 130/SH 45SE between Georgetown and Buda will pay the standard 2-axle rate and realize a savings of 67 percent. Drivers who switch from Pay By Mail (PBM) to a TxTag could realize a savings of 75 percent. Vehicles without a valid TxTag (regardless of number of axles) will pay the standard 3-axle, PBM rate.
| Current Rate | Discount Rate | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TxTag | $24.12 | $8.04 | 67% Savings |
| PBM | $32.07 | $21.41 | 33% Savings |
| Current Rate | Discount Rate | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBM to TxTag | $32.07 | $8.04 | 75% Savings |
"Addressing congestion on I-35, one of the most congested corridors in Texas, will take an everything-andthe-kitchen-sink approach," said Sen. Kirk Watson. "Incentivizing trucks to use SH 130 is one part of that effort."
"When a tractor trailer has an accident on I-35, the city shuts down," said Rep. Celia Israel. "Last year was one of the most deadly on Texas highways and my hope is this program will mean a safer experience for those who travel I-35."
The legislature approved $18.7 million over two years (subject to availability) to provide a toll discount for large trucks traveling on SH 130 and on SH 45SE.
Toll rates on other Austin-area toll roads, including Loop 1, SH 45N, 183A Toll, 290 Toll and SH 130 (from Mustang Ridge to Seguin) are not affected by this program.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.
March 31, 2016
AUSTIN – The Texas Transportation Commission today voted to give trucks a break on the cost of tolls when they drive on State Highway 130 (from the I-35 exit in Georgetown to US 183 exit in Buda) and State Highway 45SE as part of the Truck Toll Discount Program approved by the 84th Legislature. The truck toll discount will be offered in two phases, beginning April 18 through October 31 and again from November 1 through Aug. 31, 2017
"By getting some of these big rigs to use SH 130, during peak hours, we will help ease some of the gridlock we see on I-35 through Austin," said Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director James Bass. "This will get drivers to their destinations quicker by saving them time that otherwise would be spent in traffic."
Phase 1: April 18 - Oct. 31 (Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
During this discount period, trucks (with 4 axles or more) that travel on SH 130/SH 45SE between Georgetown and Buda will see a savings up to 33 percent for both TxTag and Pay-By-Mail (PBM).
| Current Rate | Discount Rate | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TxTag | $24.12 | $16.08 | 33% Savings |
| PBM | $32.07 | $21.41 | 33% Savings |
Phase 2: Nov. 1 - Aug. 31, 2017 (Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
During this discount period, trucks (with 4 axles or more) that travel on SH 130/SH 45SE between Georgetown and Buda could realize a savings of up to 75 percent with a TxTag.
| Current Rate | Discount Rate | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TxTag | $24.12 | $8.04 | 67% Savings |
| PBM | $32.07 | $21.41 | 33% Savings |
| Current Rate | Discount Rate | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBM to TxTag | $32.07 | $8.04 | 75% Savings |
"While this item is not a silver bullet, it is one more tool to increase mobility in our urban core," said Rep. Celia Israel. "While we in the legislature have been wringing our hands over congestion and safety, we have done little to provide immediate relief. Funding a program to reduce the tolls on the TxDOT portions of SH130 and SH 45 SE for truck traffic represents a concrete action to improve congestion without actually requiring more concrete."
The commission is offering the truck toll discount in compliance with the 84th Legislative Session. In total, the legislature approved $18.7 million over two years (subject to availability) to provide a toll discount for large trucks traveling on SH 130 and on SH 45SE.
Toll rates on other Austin-area toll roads, including Loop 1, SH 45N, 183A Toll, 290 Toll and SH 130 (from Mustang Ridge to Seguin) are not affected by this program.
TxDOT last offered a truck toll discount during a pilot program from April 2013 to December 2013. During that time, truck toll transactions increased more than 36 percent on SH 130/SH 45SE.
Last month, TxDOT unveiled TexasClearLanes.com as a tool to keep Texans informed of the agency’s efforts to address traffic congestion. The website – part of a $1.3 billion effort to address gridlock in Texas’ most heavily traveled major metropolitan areas – comes at a time when the agency is most focused on improving travel times for drivers as the state’s population continues to boom.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.
July 9, 2014
TxTag TOLL ROAD BILLING SERVICES TO BE EASIER, FASTER FOR TEXANS
New toll billing system will provide 24-hour access to account information, automated payment options, text alerts, more
AUSTIN – Customers using TxTag toll road billing services will soon have new and improved account access and payment options at their fingertips. The Texas Department of Transportation has hired Xerox to streamline all of the agency's toll billing operations to provide customers a more seamless and efficient account experience.
"We've heard from our customers and look forward to offering improved TxTag billing services that will help them access their account information and pay a statement without waiting in long lines or on hold," said Doug Woodall, TxDOT's director of toll operations.
Specifically, the new toll billing system will offer simpler account maintenance, streamlined billing, faster customer service and more, including:
- All account charges will be in one, redesigned billing invoice
- Upgraded website will offer live chat support
- New mobile website to manage your account on the go
- Alerts available via text message
- Simplified login to your online account
- New automated phone system for making payments, updating account information, checking account balance and recent tolls
- More options for AutoPay accounts
- And no reactivation fees
Customers using TxTag save 25 percent on tolls. The tag can be used on toll roads across Texas. For more information or to get a TxTag, visit www.txtag.org.
The new system is expected to be fully implemented by mid-summer, at which point another announcement will be sent to media. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.
March 21, 2014
TxDOT to Take Next Steps to Collect From Habitual Toll Violators
Vehicles owned by habitual violators will soon face tickets, impoundment, blocked registration
AUSTIN – Taking the next steps afforded by law to recover millions of dollars in unpaid tolls and fees, the Texas Department of Transportation will soon begin partnering with law enforcement to deal with habitual violators who have continually failed to come forward to settle their debts. Pending approval by the Texas Transportation Commission next week, violators who fail to contact TxDOT will be subjected to having their vehicles banned from toll roads, ticketed by law enforcement, impounded and possibly reported to the county tax assessor's office in an effort to block vehicle registration renewal.
"These additional actions will help send the message that habitual toll violations will not be tolerated," said James Bass, TxDOT interim executive director. "Not paying tolls is effectively stealing from the taxpayers of Texas. Recovering unpaid tolls is a responsibility TxDOT will continue to take seriously as we pursue millions of dollars in delinquent tolls that could be used to better serve the people of Texas."
In November, TxDOT began publicly naming the top 25 toll violators on a monthly basis. Since then, 14 of the named toll violators have come forward to establish active payment plans. As customers make arrangements to settle their debts, their names are removed from the list making way for new names to be moved into an updated, list of top 25 violators published at the beginning of every month. Since the start of these more stringent collection efforts, an average of 150 drivers per month come forward to pay their debts.
The updated list of top toll violators is available to the media through monthly postings on TxDOT.gov and TxTag.org. Authority to publicly report violators' names was provided by Senate Bill 1792 in an effort to collect an initial sum of more than $27 million in unpaid tolls.
Drivers with unpaid toll violations should immediately contact the TxTag Customer Service Center at (888) 468-9824 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. A negotiated settlement amount or payment plan may be offered. Tolls and violations may also be paid at TxTag.org. If you have transactions in collections you may contact Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP at 832-786-7432.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.
October 3, 2013
TxDOT BEGINS ENFORCEMENT OF NEW 'SCOFFLAW' LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS OVERDUE TOLL PAYMENTS, HABITUAL VIOLATORS
Violators could have their names made public, vehicle registration blocked
AUSTIN – Moving forward with its initiative to collect millions of dollars in unpaid tolls, the Texas Department of Transportation today reminds habitual toll violators that they have until noon on Wednesday to avoid having their names shared with the news media and published on TxDOT and TxTag websites beginning on Thursday. Authority to publicly report the names of violators was provided by Senate Bill 1792 in an effort to collect more than $27 million in unpaid tolls.
The primary targets for collection are the 28,000 vehicle owners who each have at least 100 unpaid tolls. Some of these offenders have vehicles with thousands of toll violations, which add up to money intended to be used to pay debt and fund operations on these roads. Published listings of toll violators will include the violator's name, city and state of residence, number of unpaid tolls and total amount owed in tolls and fees.
In addition to publishing the list of top violators, TxDOT also has the authority to:
- Ban vehicles from using TxDOT toll roads with Texas Transportation Commission approval. If stopped by law enforcement, vehicles in violation of the ban can be ticketed and impounded.
- Report the habitual violators to county tax assessor-collectors to potentially block the renewal of the vehicle'ss registration.
Motorists with unpaid toll violations should immediately contact the TxTag Customer Service Center at (888) 468-9824 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays. A negotiated settlement amount may be offered as well as a payment plan, if needed.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.
August 30, 2012
Texas Transportation Commission Waives Fee for Select Veterans Driving on State Toll Roads
AUSTIN – In a gesture to honor those men and women who have made great personal sacrifices to ensure our freedom and protect our nation, the Texas Transportation Commission today approved granting free passage for select veterans on several Texas toll roads. The decision will benefit veterans who are either disabled or recipients of the Purple Heart and/or Congressional Medal of Honor.
In central Texas, those toll roads where some veterans will be able to drive free of charge include Loop 1, SH 45 North, SH 45 Southeast and SH 130 (Segments 1-4) in the Austin area. Additionally, qualified veterans will be able to travel free of charge on the Camino Colombia, which is SH 255 near Laredo and Loop 49 in Tyler.
House Bill 3139, passed by the Legislature in 2009 and enacted in the Transportation Code (Section 372.053), stated that the state's toll authorities may develop a discount program for various veterans.
Governor Rick Perry recently called on the Transportation Commission to begin implementing a program that would help support Texas veterans getting around Texas with less financial burden.
"Our veterans are motivated by a higher calling that is rooted in the fundamental values of our nation," Gov. Perry said. "In Texas, we understand and appreciate the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces make in defense of our freedom, and we consider it an honor to support them."
Currently, there are 7,360 specialty license plates indicating drivers are disabled vets, Purple Heart and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties closest to the central Texas toll roads. Statewide there are 160,666 similar specialty plates.
"We are able to celebrate our freedom each and every day due to the unwavering sacrifice of our military's brave men and women, so making it a bit easier for them to move through our great state is the least we can do," said Phil Wilson, Executive Director of TxDOT. "We thank Texas veterans for their service and hope the free use of our toll roads recognizes the price they paid for our freedom."
The latest estimates show the cost of managing this program to be less than $1 million annually. The Transportation Commission has asked TxDOT to implement this program for qualified veterans by Jan. 1, 2013.
For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.
January 04, 2012
Truck Toll Promotion on SH 130, SH 45SE this Holiday Season: Bypass I-35 in Austin for $9 or less
TxDOT Truck Toll Promotion on SH 130, SH 45SE Extended through January 25 Initial results show 39 percent increase in truck transactions in past two weeks AUSTIN.
– You asked—we listened. All truck tolls will remain $9 or less on the 56-mile State Highway 130 and SH 45SE bypass around Austin through Wednesday, January 25, 2012. After numerous requests and initial program success, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will extend its truck toll promotion for three weeks. The original two-week promotion started December 21, 2011 and was slated to end January 4, 2012.
All motorists who choose to avoid traffic congestion through the Austin area and travel nonstop between Georgetown and Buda on the SH 130/SH 45SE toll bypass will continue to pay the passenger vehicle (two-axle) toll rate of $9 or less through January 25. For trucks with four axles or more, this means a savings of more than 67 percent.
Initial results show that truck transactions increased more than 39 percent on both SH 130 and SH 45SE, as well as indicating a 10 percent increase for passenger vehicles for the same period over the previous year.
I-35, from SH 71 to US 183, is the fourth-most highly congested roadway in Texas. Last year, families on vacation, commuters traveling to work, and truckers working to get their shipments to market on-time experienced more than 4.6 million hours of delay. The state-of-the-art network of tollways was built to offer an alternative to Austin-area traffic congestion, while enhancing safety and connectivity.
Please see more details about this promotion at Truck Toll Promotion on SH 130, SH 45SE this Holiday Season.
June 01, 2011
New Customer Website
TxTag is delighted to unveil our new and improved website. The new site has been refined with your customer feedback in mind. We've made information more friendly and easier to access. We hope you enjoy the experience. Please feel free to provide feedback to us using the customer survey on the bottom of the menu. Thanks!
February 15, 2010
Toll Road Safety
It happens all too often on Central Texas toll roads: drivers get out of their cars at toll boot, they speed through toll plazas, they back up when they miss an exit or to select a different lane.
In response, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) launched a radio campaign in the Austin area Monday urging motorists to slow down and exercise caution at toll plazas. Campaign messages remind motorists to keep safety in mind by avoiding abrupt lane changes and staying in their vehicle at toll plazas.
Travelers may be unaware that, instead of a costly ticket, drivers passing through a Central Texas toll plaza without a TxTag account or cash payment will simply receive an invoice in the mail. Toll rates for the Pay by Mail payment option are slightly higher than cash rates and are subject to an additional nominal administrative fee, but larger fees are only applied if a driver fails to pay an invoice after 45 days. View Full Release.