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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the toll rates?
- How are the rates determined?
- Are the rates based on the actual distances traveled?
- What is influence-distance-based tolling?
- Will the tolls ever be removed?
- Why do we need more toll roads?
- Why charge a toll when I pay gas taxes to build and maintain roads?
- How would having a TollTag be an advantage for me?
- How does a TollTag account work?
- How do I get a TollTag?
- Does NTTA offer discounted toll rates for veterans?
- What are the toll rates?
- TollTag rates are 14.5 cents per mile on the Dallas North Tollway, the President George Bush Turnpike and the Sam Rayburn Tollway. They are aligned with the regional toll rate adopted by the Regional Transportation Council in April 2006.
- TollTag rates are 50 cents on Mountain Creek Lake Bridge and Addison Airport Toll Tunnel, but it is $1 on Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge.
- Cash and ZipCash rates on all facilities are 50% more than the TollTag rates with a minimum difference of 20 cents in 2009. The premium reflects the higher costs of collection for cash and ZipCash.
- Trip rate charts and individual ramp and gantry rates are available at www.ntta.org
- How are the rates determined?
- Using a more equitable influence-distance-based tolling system, the rates are closely aligned to the miles driven. The further you drive between plazas, the more you pay per trip.
- Starting in 2011, small incremental rate increases will occur every two years. Rates will adjust every odd year at 5.6 percent starting in 2011.
- 2009 $0.1450 cents per mile
- 2011 $0.1531 cents per mile
- 2013 $0.1616 cents per mile
- 2015 $0.1706 cents per mile
- 2017 $0.1801 cents per mile
- Are the rates based on the actual distances traveled?
NTTA’s toll roads do not use a controlled access system where you receive a ticket as you enter and exit the roads. Rather, NTTA will use influence-distance-based tolling, which makes calculated determinations about how far a driver travels.
- What is influence-distance-based tolling?
- It is a more equitable tolling system that reflects the distance you travel rather than a set fee per ramp or main lane plaza. The further you drive, the more you will pay.
- The rates are based on the “influence distances” between ramps and plazas. An influence distance is the longest distance someone can travel before encountering another toll ramp or plaza. Once the influence distance is determined, it is multiplied by per-mile rate. For example, the main lane toll plaza influence distance is from a point on the main lanes where the next main lane plaza influence distance begins (i.e., there is no overlap).
- For a main lane plaza rate, the influence distance typically extends to a point on the main lanes where the next main lane influence distance begins (i.e., they don’t overlap). For an entry/exit ramp rate, the distance is measured to the cross street just before an entrance ramp or after an exit ramp.
- Will the tolls ever be removed?
- The transportation needs of our region continue to grow as more and more people move to North Texas. As long as drivers need additional mobility choices and the nation, state and region need help funding them, toll roads will remain an option.
- Toll roads are one of the most financially viable options to immediately relieve congestion. State and federal funds continue to dwindle. This has been demonstrated by the state’s inability to index the motor fuels tax, resulting in a decline in the ability to build and maintain tax-funded Texas roads.
- If tolls were eliminated permanently, there are no other funds available to maintain the roads in their current smooth, safe and high quality manner.
- The entire region benefits from the mobility choices provided by the NTTA through added jobs and the economic development spurred by transportation solutions.
- Individual drivers benefit through a consistent, safe and predictable commute with the added value of time savings.
- Why do we need more toll roads?
To meet the transportation needs of North Texas. The Texas Legislature and regional transportation officials have made a policy decision to rely on toll roads as a way to advance much needed mobility projects. They set the policy, and NTTA implements it.
- Why charge a toll when I pay gas taxes to build and maintain roads?
- Toll roads are traditionally not funded with gas tax revenues, they are funded by tolls. Plus, toll roads are a mechanism to get roads built faster. The President George Bush Turnpike was built 10 years ahead of schedule as a toll road.
- Some studies also say toll roads actually can decrease the pressure to increase the gas tax or free up gas tax dollars for other projects. For example, the $3.2 billion NTTA paid for the right to operate, construct and maintain the Sam Rayburn Tollway is being used throughout the region to fund many municipal and county projects.
- How would having a TollTag be an advantage for me?
A TollTag has more impact than ever -- you will save more money. Cash and ZipCash rates will be 50% more than TollTag rates, reflecting the higher cost of collection. TollTags also may be used on any toll road in Texas, and accounts opened with credit cards also may be used for parking or pass-through at D/FW International and Dallas Love Field airports.
- How does a TollTag account work?
Accounts can be opened with a $40 pre-paid balance when you submit your TollTag application (cash, check or credit card). The $40 balance is good for up to three TollTags, and there is no monthly fee. NTTA deducts the exact toll amounts from your account each time your TollTag passes through an operating toll lane.
- How do I get a TollTag?
Simply go online to www.ntta.org, call 972-818-NTTA (6882), or visit one of the TollTag offices located at 12300 Inwood Rd. in Dallas or 5900 W. Plano Parkway, Plano. You also can obtain a TollTag at several other locations throughout the D-FW Metroplex. For a complete list, simply go to www.ntta.org and click to Customer Service/Site Guide/Where to Get TollTags.
- Does NTTA offer discounted toll rates for veterans?
The NTTA greatly appreciates the service of the millions of honorable men and woman who have served our country in the armed forces, and we are grateful for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made. The 81st Texas Legislature passed HB 3139, which allows for the creation of a veterans toll discount program by a local toll authority; however, no funds were appropriated for such a program. Currently, NTTA does not offer discounted toll programs, but our staff is evaluating the legislation to determine the financial, legal and operational impacts of implementing a veteran toll discount program. If the Board of Directors chooses to implement a discount program for veterans, staff will advise the appropriate TollTag customers, veterans groups and other military organizations.
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