Texas Porch

Toll Roads

Harris County Has Its Own Toll Road System

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) operates a large network of toll roads around Houston, including the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8).

HCTRA runs toll roads separate from TxTAG and state-operated toll roads. Its main facility is the Sam Houston Tollway, a loop around Houston also known as Beltway 8. HCTRA also operates the Westpark Tollway, the Hardy Toll Road, and the Ship Channel Bridge, among others.

HCTRA's transponder is called EZ TAG. You link it to an account and the toll is deducted automatically. Without an EZ TAG or other interoperable transponder, you will receive a video toll bill at higher non-tag rates. Manage your account at hctra.org. Note that EZ TAG is separate from TxTAG — they are interoperable on most Texas toll roads, but are different programs.

Source to confirm: HCTRA – Harris County Toll Road Authority

More Harris County notes