TxDOT to Offer Violation Fee Reduction for Thousands of Toll Accounts

Texas Transportation Commission votes to create toll violation recovery
program

SAN ANGELO, Texas, July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Delinquent toll payers
may soon get a break on violation fees under a one- time toll violation
recovery program approved Thursday at the Texas Transportation Commission's
monthly meeting. In approving the measure, the state's five transportation
commissioners directed Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) staff to
develop a program that would reduce the violation fees accrued on delinquent
toll accounts, while requiring the individual to open a TxTag account and pay
all tolls accrued in full.

Final details of the toll violation recovery offer have not yet been
determined, but will be announced in coming weeks. In addition to opening a
TxTag account, those who take advantage of the offer will be required to keep
that account in good standing for a period of time. Once the program is
finalized, TxDOT will contact those eligible for fee reduction through direct
mailings to the home or business address associated with the vehicle's license
plate.

"For our bond-financed toll roads, TxDOT has a responsibility to collect toll
revenues to repay bondholders. In addition, skipping on paying a toll, when
other drivers are doing the right thing and paying their bills just isn't
right," said Phillip Russell, TxDOT assistant executive director for
innovative project development. "While the department can and will take
violators to court, our goal is to develop a strong customer base that pays in
full and on time. Offering a toll violation recovery program is one more way
we can help those who -- for whatever reason -- haven't paid their tolls bring
their account up to date and keep it that way."

On Loop 1, SH 130 and SH 45N in Central Texas and Loop 49 in Tyler, nearly
$3.2 million are owed in unpaid tolls and $58.4 million are owed in unpaid
violation fees. The department is optimistic that many of the approximately
140,000 accountholders in violation will take advantage of this one-time
offer. After the program concludes, the department will begin filing in court
to collect the tolls and fees owed to the state, which will result in an
escalation of violation and court fees.

This offer will not apply to violations on non-TxDOT toll roads, such as those
operated by the North Texas Tollway Authority, the Central Texas Regional
Mobility Authority or the Harris County Toll Road Authority and rental car
companies will be excluded from participation in this program.

Toll road users may inquire about the status of their account by calling the
TxTag Customer
Service Center at 1-888-468-9824.

SOURCE Texas Department of Transportation

TxDOT's Government and Public Affairs Division, +1-512-463-8588