A. Lee Graham Reporter
Motorists using North Texas Tollway Authority roads can expect higher toll rates beginning July 1 when the 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 Plano-based 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. “Drivers tell us that they choose to pay for an NTTA toll road because they are cleaner, faster and safer,” said Kenneth Barr, NTTA chairman and former Fort Worth mayor, commenting in a news release. “We understand that area motorists have a choice when they travel in North Texas, and we work every day to meet their expectations,” Barr 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.