TX-Dot is taking over the toll roads on SH 288, and they're even promising to lower rates to provide relief to drivers. Which sounds great, until you read the fine print.
"In the same statement, they say that they're going to keep the toll rates the same during peak hours" said Terri Hall, the founder and executive director of Texans For Toll Free Highways, "Yes, the toll rates are going down in off peak hours for those that need it, but what about the commuters that don't have a choice of when they have to be at work. We need free lanes, not toll lanes in order to really alleviate congestion problems in Texas."
Hall's group 'Texas Turf' has proposed legislation during every session over the last decade to remove tolls once the road is paid for. That's what it's supposed to happen. But when TxDot buys the toll roads, that's the loophole that allows that tolls to remain in place. As we've reported before, it's the gift that keeps on giving.
"The people that drive on 288 need to make noise and call their state lawmakers and demand they lower that toll rate during peak hours" Hall told KTRH, "There's no excuse for them charging more during peak hours, other than greed."
The new TxDot changes are set to start on September 1st.