Toll Road Authority

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and expansion of Harris County's extensive toll road system, which is a vital component of the region's transportation infrastructure. This system helps reduce congestion, provides efficient travel routes, and connects key areas in and around Houston, Texas. Whether you are a frequent commuter or someone visiting the area, it is essential to understand how the toll roads function, how to use them, and what services are available to make your experience seamless.

In this article, we’ll delve into the key aspects of HCTRA’s operations, toll roads, and services, and how they affect daily travel in Harris County. From toll payment options to customer services, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about using the toll road system managed by HCTRA.

What is the Harris County Toll Road Authority?

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) was created to manage toll roads in Harris County. HCTRA’s mission is to responsibly operate and maintain a safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility system. This system consists of approximately 128 miles of toll roads in the Houston metropolitan area, including major routes such as the Sam Houston Tollway, Hardy Toll Road, and Westpark Tollway. HCTRA also plays a crucial role in advancing connectivity, implementing tolling systems, and ensuring that roadways are properly maintained.

HCTRA operates all-electronic toll roads, meaning cash payments are not accepted. Motorists are required to use an EZ TAG or other interoperable toll tags to pay their tolls electronically.

Key Toll Roads in the HCTRA System

HCTRA operates several major toll roads in Harris County, each serving different purposes. These toll roads aim to ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and provide faster routes for commuters.

Sam Houston Tollway

The Sam Houston Tollway, also known as Beltway 8, is one of the most critical toll roads in Harris County. It forms a loop around Houston, helping drivers bypass congested city roads. The Sam Houston Tollway spans approximately 70 miles and is mostly all-electronic, requiring drivers to use a toll tag. The tollway includes several sections, such as the Ship Channel Bridge, which connects the East Freeway (IH 10 East) to the La Porte Freeway (SH 225). This bridge was converted to all-electronic tolling in 2016.

Hardy Toll Road

The Hardy Toll Road runs from Interstate 45 North to Interstate 610, spanning approximately 21 miles. It connects vital areas such as George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Downtown Houston. This toll road is also all-electronic, and its conversion to an electronic-only toll system in 2016 has made it more efficient for users.

Westpark Tollway

The Westpark Tollway runs from the Galleria area in Houston to Katy, TX. The 13-mile segment of this tollway managed by Harris County offers a vital east-west route for commuters in the Houston area. It was the first toll road in the nation to be fully all-electronic, eliminating traditional toll booths.

Tomball Tollway

The Tomball Tollway is a six-mile toll road running along the SH 249 corridor. It connects the areas between Spring Cypress Road and FM 2920. This tollway, like other HCTRA roads, uses all-electronic tolling.

Katy Managed Lanes

The Katy Managed Lanes are part of IH 10 and extend 12 miles from SH 6 to IH 610. These managed lanes serve high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs), mass transit, and single-occupancy vehicles for a toll. The rates for these lanes vary based on the time of day and vehicle occupancy.

Using an EZ TAG for Seamless Toll Payments

An EZ TAG is the primary tool for paying tolls on HCTRA roads. It is a small, electronic tag that can be mounted on your vehicle's windshield. When you drive through a toll lane equipped with an EZ TAG reader, the toll is automatically deducted from your account. This system ensures a faster and more efficient way to pay tolls.

How to Get an EZ TAG

Getting an EZ TAG is simple. You can sign up online through the HCTRA website. Once you sign up, you will receive an EZ TAG that can be used across all toll roads managed by HCTRA and other toll roads in Texas that support the tag system.

The EZ TAG is not just for individuals, as businesses can also set up accounts for their fleet vehicles. For those traveling across multiple states, the EZ TAG is interoperable with toll roads in states like Oklahoma, Kansas, Florida, and Colorado, providing a seamless experience.

EZ TAG Benefits

Wide Compatibility: The EZ TAG works across all HCTRA toll roads and can also be used in several other states.

Lowest Toll Rates: Using an EZ TAG ensures you are paying the lowest toll rate available.

Convenience: There are no stops at toll booths, allowing for faster travel without delays.

Flexibility: You can add multiple vehicles to a single EZ TAG account, making it easier for families and businesses to manage toll payments.

Managing Your EZ TAG Account

Once you have your EZ TAG, it’s crucial to keep track of your account to avoid any missed tolls or violations. You can manage your account online through the HCTRA website, where you can:

Check your balance: Ensure your account has enough funds to cover toll charges.

Pay missed tolls: If you miss a toll, you can pay it online to avoid penalties.

Set up automatic replenishment: You can set your account to automatically replenish when the balance is low, ensuring you don’t run into issues while driving.

EZ TAG Store Locations

HCTRA has several EZ TAG satellite stores located throughout Harris County, making it convenient for drivers to pick up and load funds into their EZ TAG accounts. The store locations are open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Roadside Assistance and Customer Support

If you find yourself in need of help while on the toll roads, HCTRA offers roadside assistance services. The Incident Response Team (IRT) is available seven days a week, from 5:00 AM to midnight, and can assist with a variety of issues, including flat tires, running out of gas, and minor mechanical problems.

For customer service inquiries, you can contact the HCTRA’s customer service department at 281-875-3279, available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

How to Avoid Toll Violations

If you drive on Harris County toll roads, it's essential to understand the rules to avoid toll violations. Unpaid tolls may lead to fines, and after a certain period, the tolls may be sent to collections. If you believe you've received a toll violation in error, you can contact customer support for assistance.

To avoid violations, make sure:

Your EZ TAG is properly mounted: Incorrectly mounted tags may not be detected at toll booths.

Your account has sufficient funds: Always keep an eye on your account balance to avoid running out of funds while on the road.

Pay your tolls on time: If you miss a toll, make sure to pay it online as soon as possible to avoid late fees.

HCTRA Transparency and Reports

HCTRA operates with transparency, providing regular reports and updates about toll rates, system operations, and ongoing projects. The authority maintains an open line of communication with the public, making information accessible through their website.

For more detailed reports, you can visit the Transparency & Reports section of the HCTRA website.

Contact Information for HCTRA and Related Departments

Here is the contact information for relevant departments of the Harris County Toll Road Authority and its partners:

Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA)

Customer Service Phone: (281) 875-3279

Roadside Assistance (Incident Response Team) Phone: (281) 584-7500

EZ TAG Store (West Sam Houston Pkwy N)
Address: 2901 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77043
Phone: (281) 875-3279

Public Information Act Requests
Email: publicinformationrequests@hctra.org
Address: 7701 Wilshire Place Dr, Houston, TX 77040

Media Inquiries
Email: Media@hctra.org
Address: 7701 Wilshire Place Dr, Houston, TX 77040

Hardy Downtown Connector
Phone: (713) 701-6001
Email: hardy.connector@hctra.org

Harris County Constable Precinct 7 – Toll Road Division

General Inquiries Phone: (713) 643-6118
Address: 5290 Griggs Road, Houston, TX 77021
24-Hour Dispatch Phone: (713) 643-6602

Harris County Constable Precinct 8 – Toll Road Patrol Division

Patrol / Criminal Warrants
Address: 16602 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062
Phone: (281) 488-4040
Fax: (281) 488-8380

Administration / Civil Division
Address: 7330 Spencer Highway Ste #107, Pasadena, TX 77505
Phone: (281) 479-2525
Fax: (281) 930-0494

Harris County Toll Road Authority FAQs

How Can I Pay for Tolls on HCTRA Roads?

To pay for tolls on Harris County toll roads, drivers must use an electronic toll tag, such as an EZ TAG or another interoperable Texas toll tag. Cash payment is not accepted on all-electronic toll roads like the Sam Houston Tollway, Hardy Toll Road, and Westpark Tollway. You can sign up for an EZ TAG through the official HCTRA website. Once registered, the toll will be automatically deducted from your account as you drive through toll lanes equipped with electronic readers.

What Should I Do if I Receive a Toll Violation Invoice?

If you receive a toll violation invoice, you can pay it directly through the HCTRA website. It’s important to address unpaid tolls promptly to avoid additional fees or penalties. To search for unpaid tolls, visit the pay tolls page. If you believe the invoice was issued in error, contact HCTRA customer service for clarification.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Veterans?

The Harris County Toll Road Authority offers a Veteran Discount Tolling Program. To qualify, veterans must have an active EZ TAG account. There are certain toll lanes designated for veterans to use, and the program is available on most toll roads operated by HCTRA. For more details, refer to the Veteran Discount Tolling Program.

Can I Use My EZ TAG on Toll Roads Outside of Harris County?

Yes, the EZ TAG is interoperable with toll systems in other states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Florida, and Colorado. This makes it convenient for drivers traveling across state lines to use their existing EZ TAG without needing to acquire new tags. For more information on where your EZ TAG is accepted, visit the HCTRA website.

How Do I Mount My EZ TAG Correctly?

Proper installation of your EZ TAG is crucial to ensure it functions correctly and avoids toll violations. The EZ TAG should be mounted on the upper edge of your vehicle's front windshield, behind the rearview mirror. If you need guidance, HCTRA provides detailed instructions on how to mount your EZ TAG here.