Jerome Gray, the deputy director of communications for the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA), recently stopped by Houston Life to chat about the EZ Tag program, common toll road misconceptions and what’s ahead for Houston drivers.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) has taken over collections for TxTag users.

If you spend a lot of time driving the toll roads in Harris County, you’ll soon be getting a break on your monthly bill.

Harris County commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, along with Harris County Toll Road Director Roberto Trevino, announced a new proposal Tuesday aimed at helping local drivers feel less burn due to the hike in inflation. Officials said the county will soon be cutting toll rates by 10 percent.

Question: Can a person who lives in another state and travels to Houston a lot get an easy tag?

HOUSTON – Got a toll violation in the mail, even though you have an EZ tag? For EZ TAG customers:There are a few reasons customers may get violations, which can be readily easily resolved. A common reason customers get bills for unpaid tolls is because the customer’s new license plate number was not added to their EZ TAG account. For cash customers/drivers without an EZ TAG account:As of March 11, 2020, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) implemented “hands-free” toll collection to reduce potential exposure of both drivers and employees to COVID -19. HCTRA encourages EZ TAG customers to manage their prefunded account 24/7 on hctra.org or download the mobile app.

HOUSTON – Question : What are the changes EZ TAG customers will see in terms of fees? Answer : The Harris County Toll Road Authority has updated the EZ TAG Account holder agreement to provide a better customer service experience. Answer : Harris County has made it easier for drivers to obtain a pre-paid EZ TAG account, which is the most efficient way to pay tolls. EZ TAG account holders pay the lowest toll rate and may use their EZ TAG on toll roads throughout Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. Drivers can sign up at hctra.org or download the EZ TAG app.

Question:Answer: There are a few ways to use the toll roads while waiting for your new EZ Tags to arrive by mail. You can download the EZ Tag app on your smartphone to temporarily add your vehicle’s plate number and the mininum amount of tolls you plan to use. On your EZ Tag account, you are able to add your vehicle as an “EZ Plate” account for a limited time. You may only use your vehicle in toll lanes marked “EZ Tag” only, and rates are based on cash lanes. Otherwise, no action is needed and you may continue to use the toll roads as usual, as the Harris County Toll Road Authority is billing toll drivers by mail in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.