Toll Rate Increase – Frequently Asked Questions

• What will the money be used for?
  • The NTTA will use the new revenues to fund several major projects that are currently in the planning/design or construction stage, including the following:
    • Dallas North Tollway (DNT) Extension to US 380 (under construction)
    • Eastern Extension of the Bush Turnpike from SH 78 in Garland to IH-30 in Dallas
    • Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge – a new east/west connection between the Dallas North Tollway and IH-35E (under construction)
    • Southwest Parkway (SH 121 in Tarrant County-Altamesa to IH-30)
    • Trinity Parkway in downtown Dallas
    • Reconstruction of the DNT from Lemmon Ave. to IH-35E in downtown Dallas (under construction)
    • Other potential toll roads that the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has asked us to consider.
•  When was the last toll increase?
  • Toll rates on the Bush Turnpike were increased from 50 cents to 75 cents in 2002. In 1999, differential rates were introduced for transactions collected electronically with TollTags and cash on the DNT.
•  Why don’t we just remove the tolls?  The Tollway south of the LBJ Freeway is already paid for, so why aren’t the tolls removed?
  • Even though the first segment of the DNT was opened to traffic in 1968, subsequent extensions, the Addison Airport Toll Tunnel and the Bush Turnpike have all been financed based on the strength of the entire NTTA system of toll facilities. Additionally, improvements have been made to every segment. The current construction and rehabilitation of the south end of the DNT is just one example. The NTTA has outstanding debt of over $1 billion, and the collective revenues from the entire toll system will be needed to retire that debt. Even after the debt is retired, tolls will continue to be necessary to operate and maintain the system. In order for the NTTA to partner with local governments and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to address regional mobility needs, the financial strength of the entire system will be necessary to provide new facilities in the region.
• Why charge a toll when I’m paying gas taxes to build and maintain roads?
  • No gas tax dollars are used to fund NTTA toll operations in turn freeing up gas tax dollars for other transportation needs.
• How will having a TollTag be an advantage for me?
  • Having a TollTag will provide a greater value to you as a customer. Currently, the difference in the rates provides a 20-25 percent savings. With the implementation of the new toll rates in 2007, that savings will be approximately 40 percent. Also, the benefit of having a TollTag means you never have to stop at a toll plaza again. Simply drive through any lane you choose, including the Express TollTag lanes.
  • You may also use your TollTag on any toll road in the state of Texas, and accounts opened with a credit card may also be used for parking at DFW International Airport and Love Field Airport.
• How does the TollTag account work?
  • Accounts are 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. We simply deduct the exact toll amount from your account each time your TollTag passes through an operating toll lane.
  • NOTE: Accounts opened with cash or a check will also require a $25 refundable deposit for each TollTag on that account. The customer is responsible for replenishing the account prior to it becoming negative. Accounts opened with a credit card will not require a deposit on the TollTag(s), and the account will be replenished automatically to $40 when the balance falls below $10. Charges from the airports will be billed directly to the credit card on file if they exceed the amount remaining in the TollTag account. TollTag users currently save 20 - 25% in toll fees by using the automated system – the savings jumps up to 40% with the new rate increase.
• How do I get a TollTag?
  • It’s easy. Simply go online at www.ntta.org, or visit the TollTag Office at 12300 Inwood Road in Dallas or 5900 W. Plano Parkway in Plano.
  • You may also obtain a TollTag at any of the following locations (credit card only). See a complete list on our Web site.  Simply go to www.ntta.org and navigate to Customer Service/Site guide/Where to get TollTags.
    • Select Albertson’s stores throughout the Metroplex
    • Select Kroger’s stores throughout the Metroplex
    • Stonebriar Center Mall in Frisco
    • Farmers Branch City Hall
    • Richardson City Hall
    • Plano City Hall
    • Irving City Hall
    • FC Dallas/Pizza Hut Park in Frisco
• Where can I get more information?
  • Visit the NTTA Web site at www.ntta.org or call 972-818-NTTA (6882) for more information.