A. Lee Graham Reporter Motorists using North Texas Tollway Authority roads have three days left before higher toll rates take effect on July 1. The rates come as the Plano-based agency implements a biennial toll rate schedule announced in 2009. The regularly scheduled increase keeps pace with the rate of inflation associated with building and operating area toll roads, according to the agency. The rates will rise about .9 cents per mile, from 15.3 to 16.2 cents. Tolls are used to maintain existing tollways and fund the agency’s safety and service programs. No tax dollars are used to operate and maintain area toll roads that relieve congestion, NTTA officials said. Tolls are a pay-as-you go way to recover costs from motorists using toll roads. They provide a dedicated, ongoing way to pay for NTTA operations, maintenance and road improvements. The agency continues to deliver new roads to relieve congestion, including the future Chisholm Trail Parkway, the NTTA’s first project in Tarrant County. The North Texas Tollway Authority, a political subdivision of the state of Texas, acquires, constructs, maintains and operates turnpike projects in the North Texas region. Customers can view the new rates and calculate costs on traveling on its roadways online at www.ntta.org. lgraham@bizpress.net
