The Costs of Driving

EDITORIAL BOARD

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Mike Heiligenstein, the executive director of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, which will oversee construction and operation of the area's new toll roads, recently answered a few questions we thought area motorists still have about the tolls:

Q: Never mind the construction cost estimates. How much will it cost me to use these toll roads to commute to work? For example, if I live in Cedar Park and work at a state agency downtown, what will it cost me to drive into work? Or, if I live in Oak Hill and need to drive to the airport, how much will that cost me?

A: If you should decide to use the toll lanes (remember that is your option) the cost of the following commutes would be:

Leander to downtown Austin: $1.80 one way (non-tolled alternate routes: existing 183, Parmer Lane, existing MoPac)
Oak Hill to the airport: $2.50 one way (non-tolled alternate routes: current and new access roads, current nontolled roads.)

Again, whatever road you are driving on today non-tolled, you will be able to do the same after construction of the system.

Q: We hear that all these roads were going to get built anyway with gasoline tax money, like Texas 71 between Interstate 35 and the airport. So why should I have to pay tolls to use those same roads?

A: Without the toll plan, these facilities would not be completed in the foreseeable future. This plan includes many new roadways and ultimate design features that were not included in the pre-toll CAMPO plan of June 2004. Tolling allows us to construct these facilities in the most expeditious manner possible. This also removes a $30 million to $50 million liability to the local governments in terms of right-of-way purchases and utility relocations.

Q: What if I just need to use a toll road occasionally — will I have to stop at a toll booth? And what if I don't have any change or bills when I get to the booth? Will you take a credit card?

A: If you use an electronic toll tag you will never have to stop anywhere on the system. The system will provide separate lanes and/or future alternatives that will allow customers to acquire temporary electronic tags at locally convenient outlets. These cards would be similar to phone cards now available. It is also anticipated that machines will be strategically located to allow customers to buy toll cards on the spot if needed.

Q: What toll road will open first, and when?

A: The 11.6 mile 183-A toll facility in spring of 2007. This is the first of the Phase 2 plan as adopted by CAMPO. (State) projects such as Loop 1 north and Texas 45 north may open sooner.

Q: Once a toll road is paid for, will the tolls be removed like they were on the old Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike? If so, how long will that take?

A: Tolls will not be removed. Continued tolls will pay for maintenance on the facility as well as new construction in the region. It is anticipated that another one million citizens will move to the region over the next 20 to 25 years, obviously requiring the expansion of all modes of transportation. It has been estimated by CAMPO that an $18 billion shortfall now faces the region; this plan is just a start in finding ways to bridge the funding gap. Toll roads will be an option for future users much like other types of utilities. But unlike other utilities, toll roads come with free alternatives.

updated: 02/16/2008