Many Kyle and Buda residents ride the toll roads to their jobs in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown and surrounding cities. Those residents can count on an easier payment method the next time they’re on those roads, with the recent approval to implement a permanent pay-by-mail system that eliminates the need to stop and make cash payments for non-TxTag vehicles.
The Texas Transportation Commission, at its August meeting, gave the Texas Department of Transportation approval to eliminate the cash payment option for the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS).
By implementing a comprehensive ‘pay-by-mail’ system in Central Texas, motorists will avoid any delays previously caused by lines at toll booths, according to CTTS officials.
The system consists of toll highways serving the Austin metropolitan region and the Austin-San Antonio corridor. Those roads include SH 45 North, Loop 1 and SH 130 (Segments 1-4) and SH 45 Southeast.
“Not only is TxDOT committed to enhancing safety, but also to ensuring Texas drivers get to where they’re going with ease,” said James Bass, TxDOT Chief Financial Officer.
The pay-by-mail option is administered via video to accurately read vehicles’ license plate numbers. After passing the toll equipment, drivers not enrolled in the TxTag program are billed through the mail.
The commission also agreed to establish new toll rates on the CTTS facilities. The changes, effective Jan. 1, 2013, make fees more compatible with other tolls charged regionally.
