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.
| Tarifa actual | Tarifa con descuento | Porcentaje | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TxTag | $24.12 | $8.04 | Ahorro de 67% |
| Pago por Correo | $32.07 | $21.41 | Ahorro de 33% |
| Tarifa actual | Tarifa con descuento | Porcentaje | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pago por Correo a TxTag | $32.07 | $8.04 | Ahorro de 75% |
"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.
31 de marzo de 2016
AUSTIN – La Comisión de Transporte de Texas votó hoy para darles un alivio de los costos de las cuotas de carretera a los camiones cuando viajen en la State Highway 130 (desde la salida de la I-35 en Georgetown hasta la salida de la US 183 en Buda) y la State Highway 45SE como parte del Programa de Descuentos de Cuotas para Camiones aprobado por la 84ta Legislatura. El descuento de las cuotas a los camiones se ofrecerá en dos fases a partir del 18 de abril hasta el 31 de octubre y nuevamente desde el 1 de noviembre al 31 de agosto de 2017.
“Al lograr que algunos de estos remolques grandes usen la SH 130 durante las horas pico, aliviaremos parte del embotellamiento que ocurre en la I-35 en Austin”, dijo James Bass, director ejecutivo del Departamento de Transporte del Estado de Texas. “Esto hará que los conductores lleguen más rápido a sus destinos ahorrándoles tiempo que de otro modo pasarían en el tráfico.”
Fase 1: 18 de abril al 31 de oct. (Lunes - viernes 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
Durante este periodo los camiones (de 4 ejes o más) que viajen en la SH 130/SH 45SE entre Georgetown y Buda, verán un ahorro de 33 por ciento tanto para TxTag como para el Pago por Correo (Pay-By-Mail, PBM).
| Tarifa actual | Tarifa con descuento | Porcentaje | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TxTag | $24.12 | $16.08 | Ahorro de 33% |
| Pago por Correo | $32.07 | $21.41 | 33% Savings |
Fase 2: 1 de nov. al 31 de ago. de 2017 (Lunes - viernes 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
Durante este periodo de descuento los camiones (de 4 ejes o más) que viajen en la SH 130/SH 45SE entre Georgetown y Buda podrían alcanzar ahorros de hasta 75 por ciento con un TxTag.
| Tarifa actual | Tarifa con descuento | Porcentaje | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TxTag | $24.12 | $8.04 | Ahorro de 67% |
| Pago por Correo | $32.07 | $21.41 | Ahorro de 33% |
| Tarifa actual | Tarifa con descuento | Porcentaje | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pago por Correo a TxTag | $32.07 | $8.04 | Ahorro de 75% |
“Aunque esta medida no es una varita mágica, es una de las herramientas que tenemos para mejorar la movilidad en nuestro centro urbano”, dijo la Representante Celia Israel. “Mientras en la legislatura nos hemos estado rompiendo la cabeza sobre cómo aliviar la congestión y la seguridad, no hemos hecho mucho para proporcionar un alivio inmediato. Financiar un programa para reducir las cuotas en las porciones de las carreteras de cuota SH130 y SH 45 de TxDOT representa una acción concreta para mejorar la congestión sin la necesidad de añadir más cemento.”
La comisión está ofreciendo el descuento de cuotas para los camiones para cumplir con la 84ta Sesión Legislativa. En total, la legislatura aprobó $18.7 millones durante dos años (sujeto a disponibilidad) para brindar un descuento de las cuotas a los camiones grandes que viajen en la SH 130 y la SH 45SE.
Las tarifas de las cuotas en otras carreteras de cuotas del área de Austin, incluyendo a Loop 1, SH 45N, la 183A Toll, 290 Toll y SH 130 (desde Mustang Ridge hasta Seguin) y no están incluidas en este programa.
La última vez que TxDOT ofreció un descuento en las cuotas fue durante un programa piloto realizado entre abril de 2013 y diciembre de 2013. Durante ese tiempo, aumentaron las transacciones de cuotas para camiones por más de 36 por ciento en la SH 130 y la SH 45SE.
El mes pasado, TxDOT inauguró TexasClearLanes.com como herramienta para mantener a los texanos informados sobre los esfuerzos de la agencia para atender la congestión del tránsito. El sitio web, parte de una iniciativa de $1.3 mil millones de dólares para atender el embotellamiento en las carreteras más transitadas de las áreas metropolitanas de Texas, llega en un momento en el que la agencia se concentra en mejorar el tiempo de manejo para los conductores durante el continuo crecimiento poblacional del estado.
Para preguntas de los medios de comunicación, comuníquese con la Oficina de Relaciones Públicas de TxDOT a través de MediaRelations@txdot.gov o llamando al (512) 463-8700.