Trucks in Texas will get a toll discount for using specific state highways from November this year through the end of August 2017 Photo by Sean KilcarrFleet Owner

Texas DOT offers truck toll discounts to reduce congestion

Nov. 2, 2016
Its so-called “Phase 2” truck toll discount will run through Aug. 31 next year and seeks to ease “gridlock” on I-35 through Austin, TX.

As part of an ongoing effort to address traffic congestion on I-35 through the city of Austin, TX, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) plans to launch “Phase 2” of a truck toll discount program starting this month and running through the end of August next year.

James Bass, TXDOT’s executive director, said in a statement that this discount program gives trucks a break on the cost of tolls when they drive on State Highway (SH) 130 from the I-35 exit in Georgetown to U.S. 183 exit in Buda and on SH 45SE.

During this discount period, trucks with a valid TxTag transponder that travel on SH 130/SH 45SE between Georgetown and Buda will pay the standard two-axle rate of $8.04; a savings of 67% off the standard $24.12 TXTag truck toll rate, he said, and truckers who switch from Pay By Mail (PBM) to a TxTag could realize a savings of 75%; paying $21.41 instead of $32.07, Bass noted.

Vehicles without a valid TxTag, however – regardless of the number of axles – will pay the standard three-axle PBM rate, TXDOT stressed.

“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,” Bass said. “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.”

The Texas state 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, noted State Senator Kirk Watson in a statement.

“Addressing congestion on I-35, one of the most congested corridors in Texas, will take an everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach,” he added. “Incentivizing trucks to use SH 130 is one part of that effort.”

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