Commissioners are proposing a new “fair and affordable” policy to save money for Harris County toll road drivers.

HOUSTON — On Tuesday, Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, along with Harris County Tollway Director Roberto Trevino, announced a new proposal aimed at helping local drivers feel less burnt by rising inflation. Officials said the county would cut toll rates by 10 percent soon.

“Transport is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Getting from (point) A to B, to work, to school, to baseball practice, to the doctor’s office is a very expensive deal,” Ellis said. “While gas prices are high and vehicle prices are rising and statewide tolls continue to rise, we are moving in the opposite direction in Harris County and providing some assistance to Harris County residents and anyone using our toll roads. “.

During the press conference, Ellis revealed the following:

• If approved, the rebate is expected to be implemented by Labor Day 2023.

• The discount will apply to EZ Tag customers who are two-axle (commuter and passenger) vehicles, accounting for 95% of the county’s transactions.

• Under the new policy, the EZ tag will now be free at all times and up to eight free tags will be issued per household. Tags previously cost $15 each.

• Over the next few months, the plan is to phase in a variety of options through which residents can receive EZ tags, in addition to making payments, at retail stores across the region.

The new payments, Ellis said, will bring “a little relief” to those who need to use time-saving roads. He added that, judging by the records, for the first time in history, the rate for a toll road was approved.

“These are smart steps, and these are big steps to ensure safe, fair and affordable mobility options for everyone in Harris County,” Ellis said.

Garcia echoed Ellis’ excitement.

“Commissioner Ellis and I wanted to see if we could demonstrate to the public that we understand the times we live in, so we gave Mr. Trevino the idea of ​​how, contrary to the standard trend of increasing duties, fees and costs, we have an initiative to fight inflation here in Harris County?” Garcia said.

Trevino said that as the community grows, the plan will hopefully ease the strain on traffic.

“Every action that the toll road suggested and every policy was meant to be less punitive and benefit society,” Trevino said. “The toll road is a vital function of the county and we do our best to keep tolls low and every policy gives our users the benefit of the doubt and we don’t penalize anyone for using the system or where their economic levels are.”