The following are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you don't see your question addressed below, please feel free to contact us directly to speak with a Mobility Authority representative.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) is an independent government agency authorized through state legislation in 2002 to improve the transportation system in Williamson and Travis counties. The Mobility Authority’s mission is to develop, deliver, operate and maintain high-quality roadways and related transportation solutions.
In Texas, there are multiple transportation agencies that operate toll roads, issue their own electronic tags and do their own billing. In Central Texas, there are two: the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority).
Central Texas toll roads operated by the Mobility Authority
Central Texas toll roads operated by TxDOT
The Federal government hasn't increased its portion of the gas tax since 1993, and Texas hasn't seen a state gas tax increase since 1991. Gas taxes are based on cents per gallon, not a percentage. Of the state gas tax of 20 cents per gallon, the Texas Constitution requires that 5 cents be dedicated to supporting public education. The remaining 15 cents per gallon state gas tax has lost nearly half its purchasing power to inflation since 1991. Because the gas tax is set at a static amount, decreases in consumer demand due to people driving less and/or driving more fuel-efficient vehicles will also show up as less revenue. Furthermore, Texas is also a "donor state" at the federal level, which means that it gets less in federal funding than it pays in federal gas taxes. When you factor in the state’s robust population growth and the resulting demand on the roadway infrastructure, funding has not kept up with the need for new or expanded roads, thus congestion has gotten worse. Because of this, alternative financing options are considered crucial to funding new projects. Of note, gas tax revenues collected by the state do not always return to the most congested regions. Regional Mobility Authorities use local dollars to meet local needs.
Building any road – whether tolled or non-tolled – requires taking steps to protect the environment. As a local agency, the Mobility Authority recognizes the importance of protecting the natural resources that are unique to Central Texas.
The Mobility Authority is committed to working closely with environmental agencies, environmental groups, neighborhood residents and all interested stakeholders to ensure projects are developed in a manner that is consistent with community needs and environmental regulations.
It is important to note that many of the existing roadway corridors where toll roads are planned have outdated environmental control systems. As the toll roads are constructed and the older non-tolled roads are upgraded, modern water quantity and quality facilities will be constructed, improving water quality and reducing the risk of flooding. Reduced congestion also results in less vehicle idling time, meaning less air pollution.
On average, an environmental study takes between two to six years.
Express lanes are special lanes separated from the non-tolled general-purpose lanes; often the boundaries are shown with striping and white plastic delineator sticks. Their purpose is to improve your commute experience by managing congestion. This is accomplished through variable toll pricing, which either encourages or discourages use by increasing the toll when traffic is heavy, and decreasing it when it is light. The idea is to have at least one lane that can “express” the driver to their destination, no matter the time of day.
The primary goal of express lanes is to keep the express lane traffic free-flowing for individual cars or even express transit. This ensures a reliable, non-stop route is available to drivers wishing to bypass congestion for the price of the toll. Public transit buses, registered vanpools and emergency vehicles travel these lanes toll-free.
Toll roads, unlike express lanes, are not just designed to manage congestion. Tolls are a way to pay for the road, while adding new capacity. What traditional toll roads and express lanes have in common is choice – drivers can choose to travel the express lanes for the posted toll price, or use the general-purpose lanes.
No. Express lanes benefit all lanes. Numerous studies show that people of all income levels use them, approve of them and agree they reduce congestion. Tolling provides travelers with a choice. Studies have shown that lower-income individuals face the greatest financial harm when they do not have access to options that can get them to their everyday destinations. Lack of choice can result in lost wages, late fees for day care or decisions that restrict a person’s quality of life that could have been avoided if they had the option to bypass congestion. To name a few studies:
The MoPac Improvement Project is currently open to traffic and features one Express Lane in each direction on north MoPac from Cesar Chavez to Parmer Lane.
These special lanes are separated from the three existing non-tolled lanes by striping and white plastic sticks. They provide a reliable, non-stop, toll-free route for public transit buses, registered van pools and emergency vehicles. To help keep the express lanes from becoming congested, individual drivers pay a variable toll that increases when traffic is heavy and decreases when it is light. The primary goal is not to generate revenue, but to keep the express lane traffic free-flowing as much as possible.
Express Lanes are not intended for everyday use. They are designed to be there when you really need them. They will hopefully also encourage people to carpool because they have the option to split the cost of the trip among each occupant in the vehicle. Because their capacity will be limited, individual drivers will have to decide whether any particular trip is worth the toll being charged at the time they wish to use the express lane.
Individual drivers are only able to enter or exit the MoPac Express Lanes at designated locations in order to maximize safety and efficiency. However, emergency vehicles are able to drive over the flexible sticks and access the lanes to remove disabled vehicles anywhere along the 11-mile route. There are three entry and exit points. Electronic signs indicate the toll rate before each entry point.
To ensure the MoPac Express Lanes remain free-flowing, variable tolls are used to manage the number of vehicles entering the lanes at any given time. When traffic is heavy and demand for the Express Lanes is high, toll rates increase. When demand is low, toll rates go down. Changeable electronic signs display current rates in real time, so drivers know the price before deciding whether to enter the lanes.
Once you are in the lanes, the price you saw on the signs is the price you are guaranteed to pay. Drivers entering after you or at different locations may pay a different rate. Initial toll rates are $0.50 per segment and $1.00 for a full length trip, but can be higher if demand is greater than projected. Tolls paid by users are the source of money to repay the funds used to finance the project, including the sound walls and bicycle/pedestrian improvements.
The objective is to maintain free-flowing traffic in the Express Lane (speeds greater than 45 MPH) at all times, so rates are adjusted to encourage or discourage users, based on current conditions. Rates are determined by on the number of vehicles in the lane, the speed of the vehicles and the rate of change-of-traffic conditions.
Until now, express buses and vanpools had to sit in traffic with all other vehicles on MoPac, but with the completion of the Express Lane, these transit vehicles are now able to bypass congestion and get to their destination reliably and on time. The express lane provides an opportunity for expanded Capital Metro Express Bus service and an incentive for greater participation in Capital Metro’s Ride Share vanpool program.
Individual drivers looking to bypass congestion may use the Express Lanes. Drivers who prefer not to pay a toll will always have the option of using the non-tolled general-purpose lanes. In accordance with state law, any non-tolled capacity must be preserved. In other words, if you’re driving on it toll-free today, you’ll be able to drive on it toll-free tomorrow.
Because express lanes have been effective in other states. A good example is Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation:
For more information, click here.
Express lanes are being used successfully in many other parts of the country, including here in Texas. Read about various case by clicking on the links below to learn about other Express Lane projects that have been implemented around the United States.
The Mobility Authority’s Qualified Veteran Discount Program waives tolls on several Mobility Authority toll roads for eligible veterans, who must be in a vehicle registered with the State of Texas and display a qualifying specialty license plate.
Qualifying Texas license plates are disabled veterans and recipients of the Purple Heart, Legion of Valor and Medal of Honor awards.
To be eligible to participate in the Qualified Veteran Discount Program, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority requires that at the time of the transaction, the vehicle be compliant with the following:
*Qualifying Texas license plates are disabled veterans and recipients of the Purple Heart, Legion of Valor and Medal of Honor awards.
Program participation is limited to one (1) vehicle per veteran, or for those who qualify for a hardship exemption, the limit is two (2) vehicles per veteran. Tolls incurred prior to successful registration in our program must be fully resolved to be eligible for participation in the discount program.
As a reminder, our customer service representatives can help by offering a settlement amount or payment plan if needed. Please call ViaPlus (formerly Cofiroute) at (833) 762-8655 to discuss further.
Eligible veterans displaying a qualifying specialty license plate issued by the State of Texas must register with the Mobility Authority to have toll charges waived on applicable toll roads.
To register, customers must use the Mobility Authority’s online portal. If you need help registering or have any questions you may also call (512) 450-6317 or email [email protected]. You will receive an email within 5 business days, confirming program enrollment. Registration is NOT complete until this email is sent. Customers are responsible for tolls incurred prior to receiving a confirmation email.
Program participation is limited to one (1) vehicle per veteran, or two (2) vehicles per veteran for those who qualify for the addition when demonstrating a hardship. A hardship exemption may be granted by the Mobility Authority based on the particular facts and circumstances presented by each applicant. If you believe being limited to one vehicle will result in a hardship specific to you, please include all relevant information supporting your need for a second exemption so that your application may be fully evaluated. Hardship allowances will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Veterans wishing to apply for a second vehicle through a hardship allowance can apply through our Hardship Registration Form.
Tolls incurred before the program’s implementation must be fully resolved prior to participation in the discount program. It is the customer’s responsibility to notify the Mobility Authority of any changes to their license plate or tag number. Failure to do so may result in charges to the customer’s electronic tag account.
The Mobility Authority’s Qualified Veteran Discount Program applies to:
The MoPac Express Lane, located in central Austin, is NOT included in the Mobility Authority’s Qualified Veteran Discount Program as the variable toll pricing model is key to congestion management, and operation of the lane would otherwise break down.
In Texas, there are multiple transportation agencies that operate toll roads, issue their own toll tags and do their own billing. In Central Texas, there are two: the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority). You can find information about other agencies below:
Yes. An electronic tag is required to obtain a discount on the Mobility Authority’s toll facilities. Electronic tags allow us to promote accuracy within our program and prevent qualified veterans accepted into the program from receiving a Pay By Mail bill in error. Failure to provide a valid tag number may result in being billed.
We understand the needs of every customer can be different, so we accept several different tags for registration. We encourage customers to visit their websites to find the right fit: Toll Tag, EZ Tag, TxTag, BancPass, K Tag, SunPass, and Pikepass.
No. With the exception of the MoPac Express Lane, the Mobility Authority's Qualified Veteran Discount Program applies to all Mobility Authority toll roads (183A Toll, 290 Toll, 71 Toll Lane, 45SW, and 183 Toll Roads). The MoPac Express Lane facility is precluded from the program in order to keep the lane operating efficiently through variable tolling to manage the number of vehicles entering the lane. Detection equipment will identify your specialty license plate and registered electronic tag as part of the program.
Yes. Customers are responsible for tolls incurred prior to successful registration in our program.
In order to be accepted into the program and have a toll waived, a qualifying specialty license plate and electronic tag are required.
However, veterans and other beneficiaries may be eligible to have toll charges reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs when they use a toll road to travel for care at a Veteran's Administration medical facility. The Beneficiary Travel Benefits program is established and administered by the Veterans Administration. Click here for details on eligibility and the VA's procedures for reimbursement of toll charges available from the Veterans Administration.
Veterans can apply for the specialty license plate if they are certified by the Veterans Administration to have a 50 percent service-related disability, or 40 percent due to amputation of a lower extremity. For details about how to apply or to find out if you are eligible for one of the qualifying specialty license plates, please visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website. Any problems or discrepancies with vehicle registrations or with specialty license plates must be resolved between the vehicle owner and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Mobility Authority’s Qualified Veteran Discount Program is limited to one (1) vehicle per qualified veteran. Eligibility in the Qualified Veteran Discount Program is limited to vehicles which are registered with the State of Texas, in the name of the individual veteran and which display a qualifying specialty license plate, per Texas Transportation Code §372.053, that is associated with an electronic tag account.
The Mobility Authority’s Qualified Veteran Discount Program is limited to one (1) vehicle per qualified veteran except in the case of a hardship. A hardship exemption may be granted by the Mobility Authority based on the particular facts and circumstances presented by each applicant. If you believe being limited to one vehicle will result in a hardship specific to you, please include all relevant information supporting your need for a second exemption so that your application may be fully evaluated. Hardship allowances will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Veterans wishing to apply for a second vehicle through a hardship allowance can apply through our Hardship Registration Form.
If you are enrolled in the Mobility Authority’s Qualified Veteran Discount Program and received a statement because you were pulling a trailer, you can initiate a dispute by calling our Customer Contact Center (please be prepared to provide an email address) or emailing your license plate and invoice number to [email protected]. You’ll receive an email with more information once enrollment is confirmed.
The Board Members and staff of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority honor and appreciate the service of the men and women of our military forces, past and present. State law allows a Texas toll road entity to offer discounted or free tolls to Congressional Medal of Honor, Legion of Valor and Purple Heart recipients, as well as disabled veterans who qualify and meet the requirements for specialty license plates. Effective November 1st, 2018 the Mobility Authority offers discounted tolls to these valued service members.
Yes. TxDOT and the Mobility Authority have different requirements to enroll in their respective programs. You will need to register for the Mobility Authority's program if you would like to receive free tolls on 183A Toll, 290 Toll, 71 Toll Lane, 45SW Toll, and 183 Toll.
Veterans and other beneficiaries may be eligible to have toll charges reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs when they use a toll road to travel for care at a Veteran’s Administration medical facility. The Beneficiary Travel Benefits program is established and administered by the Veterans Administration. Click here for details on eligibility and the VA’s procedures for reimbursement of toll charges available from the Veterans Administration.
The VA’s Beneficiary Travel Benefits program does not require that the person eligible for toll reimbursement travel in a vehicle with a Disabled Veterans or other special license plate. However, to be reimbursed for toll charges, you must submit a form to the VA with your receipt for payment of the toll charge no later than thirty days after the date you traveled to a VA facility for medical care. Download the required VA Form 10-3542.
For more information, questions, or assistance relating to the Beneficiary Travel Benefits program, please contact the Veterans Administration Beneficiary Travel Office at (254) 743-0749.
Helpful resources:
If you have a TxTag or other electronic tag, contact the provider or log into your account online.
If you received a Pay by Mail invoice for travel on 183A Toll, 290 Toll, MoPac Express Lane, 71 Toll Lane, 45SW Toll, or 183 Toll, you may use the printed invoice as your receipt to submit for reimbursement.
If you don't have a paper copy of your invoice and would like to view your bill online to print one, visit paymobilitybill.com, click on Pay My Toll and enter your information. Or call toll free at (833) 762-8655.
If account number and license plate are not available, please call (512) 410-0562 or toll free at (833) 762-8655.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and other tolling authorities throughout the state have additional tools to respond to Habitual Violators as a result of legislation enacted in 2014, which encourages equitable payment by all customers. As part of that law, Habitual Violators who have already ignored multiple requests for payment may be subject to additional enforcement remedies up to and including vehicle registration renewal blocks and being banned from Mobility Authority toll roads. Costs for enforcement of this program come from the Mobility Authority’s toll road revenue, not tax dollars.
A Habitual Violator is defined in Section 372.106(a) of the Texas Transportation Code as (A) one who was issued at least two written notices of nonpayment that contained in aggregate 100 or more events of nonpayment within a period of one year and, (B) was issued a warning that failure to pay the amounts specified in the notices may result in the toll project entity’s exercise of Habitual Violator remedies.
To encourage equitable payment by all customers, legislation allows for enforcement remedies up to and including vehicle registration renewal blocks, prohibiting Habitual Violator’s vehicles on Mobility Authority roadways, on-road enforcement of the vehicle ban, as well as posting names to the agency website of those Habitual Violators with banned vehicles. The Mobility Authority will be implementing these remedies beginning November 2019.
Habitual Violators are provided due process protections prior to any enforcement action.
You can resolve your balance by calling the Habitual Violator department at (512) 886-0756, online at paymobilitybill.com, or in person at our walk-up center. You can pay outstanding tolls and administrative fees with cash, money order or credit card (a payment plan may be available).
A Habitual Violator who has accrued 100 or more unpaid tolls and who has been issued two notices of nonpayment within a year is subject to a vehicle registration block.
The vehicle registration block and other toll enforcement actions are intended to encourage tollway drivers to pay for services rendered to ensure fairness to the overwhelming majority of drivers who pay for the service, maintenance and safety of the toll roads.
A notification letter announcing that a person has met the criteria of Habitual Violator is sent to the address in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TTC 372.106) database, allowing 30 days to contact to dispute their determination as a Habitual Violator or address the account balance before remedies are applied. If the Habitual Violator does not make arrangements with the Mobility Authority during this period, they will be subject to all enforcement remedies. Additionally, notification of a registration renewal block is mailed.
Once a person has been determined to be a Habitual Violator under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 372, Habitual Violators are given an opportunity to dispute their determination as a Habitual Violator and/or request an administrative hearing with a justice of the peace before a block is placed on a vehicle registration. If an individual is finally determined to be a Habitual Violator, the vehicle’s registered owner(s) information will be transmitted to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for refusal of registration until all tolls and fees have been resolved with the Mobility Authority.
The vehicle registration block will remain in effect until 25% of the balance is paid and a valid payment plan is established.
Registration renewal block lifts can take 24-48 hours to process. Furthermore, Mobility Authority Customer Service will provide a receipt/proof of payment to you and/or the tax office, at your request, so that your vehicle registration may occur on the same or next business day.
No, the Mobility Authority is responsible for toll collections.
You can pay outstanding tolls and administrative fees with cash, money order or credit card (a payment plan may be available) by calling the Habitual Violator department at (512) 886-0756, online at paymobilitybill.com, or in person at our walk-up center.
Texas law allows customers 30 days to appeal a toll entities Habitual Violator Determination before it becomes final. The Determination notice mailed includes all the necessary information to file a formal appeal. Once final, it cannot be appealed. However, the Mobility Authority does consider toll bill disputes for specific circumstances. Please contact us at (512) 886-0756 if you feel like you were billed in error.
No, payments are made to the Mobility Authority by calling our customer service center at (512) 410-0562.
If a person is the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation(s), he or she is still responsible for paying all tolls and fees with the Mobility Authority.
A Habitual Violator who has accrued 100 or more unpaid tolls and who has been issued two notices of nonpayment within a year is subject to a vehicle ban.
Vehicle prohibition and other toll enforcement actions are intended to prompt payment for services rendered and to ensure fairness to the overwhelming majority of drivers who pay for the service, maintenance and safety of the toll roads. The Habitual Violator legislation will help ensure that the millions of Mobility Authority customers who pay for the service are not forced to shoulder the costs of the small percentage that chooses to ignore the rules.
Vehicle prohibitions began November 2019.
Habitual violators subject to vehicle ban will receive notification that they have been banned, including when the ban will take effect and instructions for how to remove their status as a Habitual Violator.
The vehicle ban will remain in effect until 75% of the balance is paid and a valid payment plan is established.
In most cases, the ban will be removed within 1 business day.
A person commits an offense when operating a vehicle in violation of the ban and is subject to a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. A second or subsequent occurrence of driving on the tollway in violation of a ban may result in impoundment of the vehicle.
Mobility Authority roads are equipped with technology that recognizes vehicle and license plates on our prohibited list. Individuals operating a prohibited vehicle on Mobility Authority roads will be reported to nearby law enforcement patrolling Mobility Authority roads.
Vehicle impoundment is up to law enforcement’s discretion. If your vehicle is impounded, law enforcement will provide you with information on how to retrieve your vehicle.
Pay outstanding tolls and administrative fees with cash, money order or credit card (a payment plan may be available) by: calling the Habitual Violator department at (512) 886-0756, online at paymobilitybill.com, or in person at our walk-up center.
In addition to the vehicle ban, Habitual Violators could face any of the following penalties if they remain in Habitual Violator status:
Penn Credit is a collection agency for the Mobility Authority for transactions that took place on or after 11/18/2018. Penn Credit can assist you with questions related to your collection balance, however you could still owe tolls that have not aged to collections. We recommend you contact our customer service center at (512) 410-6321 for assistance with your total balance. If you have been deemed Habitual Violator and received a Penn Credit notice, please contact the Habitual Violator department at (512) 886-0756.
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