Texas tolls waived for qualified veterans
A toll discount program allowing select veterans to drive tollfree on Central Texas toll roads has been approved, according to Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA).
The program, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, will allow participating qualified veterans to drive toll-free on the 183A toll, the 290 toll, the 71 toll lane, and the future 183 South and SH 45SW toll roads.
“While the Mobility Authority relies on toll revenue rather than taxing authority to deliver mobility solutions for Central Texas, we are pleased to be able to offer this program to veterans who have served our country,” said Executive Director Mike Heiligenstein of the Mobility Authority Board of Directors.
The CTRMA Board of Directors authorized the Qualified Veterans Toll Discount Program by unanimous vote at the July 25th Board of Directors Meeting.
Under Texas law, toll authorities are allowed to offer discounted or waived tolls for certain classes of veterans-- such as disabled veterans, and recipients of the Legion of Valor or Medal of Honor, according to CTRMA. The toll relief for veterans is authorized under Texas House Bill 3139 was passed September 1, 2009 after veterans said they were having difficulty affording travel to Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
Qualified veterans who wish to participate in the toll discount program will be required to register with the agency using the online portal on their website. The portal will be available prior to the launch of the program, according to Mobility Authority.
The program limits participation to one license plate per household and the vehicle must be associated with a qualified license plate and electronic toll tag account -- TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag, K-Tag, or BancPass.
All outstanding tolls acquired prior to Nov. 1 must be paid in full to be accepted into the program and Mobility Authority said toll charges incurred on the MoPac Express Lane will not be waived under this program due to high congestion traffic patterns in Central Austin.
About Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is an independent government agency created in 2002 to improve the transportation system in Williamson and Travis counties. Their mission is to implement innovative, multi-modal transportation solutions that reduce congestion and create transportation choices that enhance quality of life and economic vitality.
The Mobility Authority is overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors. The Governor appoints the Chairman, and the Travis and Williamson counties Commissioners Courts each appoint three members to serve on the Board.
For more information visit https://www.mobilityauthority.com.