Central Texas, January 7, 2026
Drivers in Central Texas will face toll rate increases beginning January 1, 2026, as the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority implements a 3.01% hike aligned with inflation. This adjustment affects major highways including 183A Toll, 290 Toll, and others. Electronic toll tag users will see a 2 to 6 cents rise per tolling point, while non-tag users will incur a 50% surcharge plus a processing fee. Specific locations like Crystal Falls will experience even larger increases. Drivers are encouraged to utilize electronic tags to reduce costs.
Austin, Texas – Toll Rates Increase on Central Texas Roads
As of January 1, 2026, drivers in Central Texas will encounter higher toll rates across several major highways. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) has enacted a 3.01% increase in toll rates, which corresponds with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This increase will impact tolling points on major highways including 183A Toll, 290 Toll, 71 Toll Lane, 45SW Toll, 183 Toll, and the MoPac Express Lane.
Impact on Drivers
For drivers utilizing electronic toll tags, the rate hike translates to an additional 2 to 6 cents per tolling point. For instance, a complete trip on the 183A Toll will incur a cost increase of approximately $0.06 for two-axle vehicles. Conversely, drivers without electronic toll tags, who receive toll bills via mail, will be subject to a 50% surcharge over the base rate in addition to a $1 processing fee.
Specific Tolling Points Affected
Most tolling points will see the standard 3.01% adjustment; however, three specific locations on 183A Toll will experience slightly higher increases. The Crystal Falls ramp, Crystal Falls Mainline Plaza, and Lakeline Mainline Plaza will each have their rates increase by 9 cents. This adjustment aligns the rates with similar tolling points in the CTRMA system, as determined in the agency’s 2021 Traffic and Revenue Study.
Background
The CTRMA, responsible for the construction and management of toll roads in the Austin area, reviews and modifies toll rates annually to reflect inflationary pressures and operational expenses. The recent rate increases were sanctioned during the agency’s October 2025 board meeting and became effective on January 1, 2026.
Recommendations for Drivers
To mitigate toll costs, drivers are advised to utilize electronic toll tags to take advantage of the lower rates. Further, enrollment in a Prepaid Registered Account can provide a 25% discount on pay-by-mail toll rates. This option enables customers without an electronic tag to have tolls deducted automatically, thus avoiding the elevated pay-by-mail charges.
Conclusion
The toll rate increases on Central Texas roads reflect the CTRMA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing regional transportation infrastructure. Drivers are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly and consider adopting electronic toll tags or Prepaid Registered Accounts to effectively minimize toll expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What toll roads are affected by the recent rate increase?
The toll rate increase affects 183A Toll, 290 Toll, 71 Toll Lane, 45SW Toll, 183 Toll, and the MoPac Express Lane in Central Texas.
How much will toll rates increase for vehicles with electronic toll tags?
Vehicles with electronic toll tags will see an increase of approximately 2 to 6 cents per tolling point, depending on the specific location.
What is the surcharge for drivers without electronic toll tags?
Drivers without electronic toll tags will incur a 50% surcharge over the base rate, plus a $1 processing fee for pay-by-mail tolls.
Which specific tolling points have higher rate adjustments?
The Crystal Falls ramp, Crystal Falls Mainline Plaza, and Lakeline Mainline Plaza on 183A Toll have rate increases of 9 cents each, higher than the standard 3.01% increase.
How can drivers minimize toll expenses?
Drivers can minimize toll expenses by using electronic toll tags, which offer the lowest rates, and by enrolling in a Prepaid Registered Account to receive a 25% discount on pay-by-mail toll rates.
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Key Features of the Toll Rate Increase
| Toll Road | Electronic Toll Tag Rate Increase | Pay-by-Mail Surcharge | Specific Tolling Points with Higher Adjustments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 183A Toll | 2 to 6 cents per tolling point | 50% surcharge over base rate + $1 processing fee | Crystal Falls ramp, Crystal Falls Mainline Plaza, Lakeline Mainline Plaza (9 cents each) |
| 290 Toll | 2 to 6 cents per tolling point | 50% surcharge over base rate + $1 processing fee | None |
| 71 Toll Lane | 2 to 6 cents per tolling point | 50% surcharge over base rate + $1 processing fee | None |
| 45SW Toll | 2 to 6 cents per tolling point | 50% surcharge over base rate + $1 processing fee | None |
| 183 Toll | 2 to 6 cents per tolling point | 50% surcharge over base rate + $1 processing fee | None |
| MoPac Express Lane | 2 to 6 cents per tolling point | 50% surcharge over base rate + $1 processing fee | None |
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