The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced a collaboration with the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) to enhance toll operations. The partnership aims to improve customer service and streamline billing for users of TxDOT's toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions.
HCTRA will assume responsibility for toll billing and customer service operations, offering a more regional approach. This change is expected to lead to better user experiences through consolidated invoicing and support. HCTRA will manage all aspects of toll transaction processing, billing, and account management following a transition period.
"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," said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. "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."
The partnership is set to simplify billing processes for customers by reducing fees from multiple operators within the same region. TxDOT anticipates operational efficiencies that could result in millions of dollars in savings.
Under a Toll Services Agreement signed on November 6, 2024, TxDOT will maintain ownership of its toll roads in the Austin and Houston areas while the Texas Transportation Commission continues setting toll rates on these roads.
TxTag.org systems will enter maintenance mode from November 15-18 as accounts prepare for transfer to HCTRA. During this time, customers cannot access their accounts or make payments but can resume contact with TxTag on November 18 if needed.
Starting November 9, travelers using TxDOT's Austin and Houston region toll roads will be billed through HCTRA instead of TxTag. Accounts transferred to HCTRA will be inaccessible until December 2; no late fees will apply during this period.
Drivers are advised that after migration to HCTRA’s system, their accounts will transition to an EZ TAG account managed at HCTRA.org. Non-tag users will receive single statements covering both TxDOT and HCTRA roads in the regions mentioned.
More payment options become available post-transition at EZ TAG stores or retail partners like Walmart across Texas. Non-tag drivers should note separate bills continue for Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority roads despite changes elsewhere.
TxDOT advises drivers with prepaid tags benefit from lower rates compared with non-tag counterparts who may face higher charges without timely payments or tag registration updates. Further details are available on txtag.org where ongoing updates about this transition remain accessible.
