The Harris County Toll Road Authority has started managing toll billing and customer service for TxTag users in the Houston and Austin areas. This change follows a partnership announcement in November with the Texas Department of Transportation aimed at streamlining the tolling process for drivers in these regions, as reported by ABC13.

The Texas Department of Transportation will maintain ownership and upkeep of its toll roads, while the Harris County Toll Road Authority will handle collections. The Texas Transportation Commission will still set toll rates. A 10% discount will be available on HCTRA toll roads for two-axle vehicles if accounts are transitioned. TxTag users must establish new accounts through Harris County Toll Road Authorit’s website or the EZ Tag app, but those in good standing can continue using their TxTag, minimizing inconvenience during the system overhaul, according to Click2Houston.

The change affects toll roads like Austin's SH 130, SH 45 N, and Houston's Grand Parkway and Hwy. 249. The goal is to simplify toll payments with consistent billing and AutoPay options. EZ TAG users don’t need to do anything. Over one million toll tag users will be affected. More details can be found on the official websites mentioned by ABC13.