TxDOT navigates drivers on Loop 49

As Loop 49 winds through its first week of charging tolls on its first segment, questions are still pouring into TxDOT about how to navigate the road.

The first segment of the loop - a 5-mils stretch from State Hwy. 155 to South Broadway in Tyler - officially began charging for the route at 12:15 a.m. Monday. The road opened and the state allowed drivers to travel free since this summer.

And until as recently as last month, agencies and drivers alike The first segment of the loop - a 5-mils

stretch from State Hwy. 155 to South Broadway in Tyler - officially began charging for the route at 12:15 a.m. Monday.

were still unsure of the charges.

Tyler-district TxDOT spokesperson Larry Krantz indicated he would try to make sure drivers are notified of tolls.

Krantz said the agency would collect a toll of 50 cents for passenger cars - about 10 cents per mile. Tractortrailers will pay $2.

There are no tolling booths on Loop 49. Motorists must either purchase prepaid TxTags or drive without the tags.

Should drivers choose the second option they will pay higher tolls through an electronic billing system that scans license plates. that scans license plates.

TxTags can be purchased online at www.txtag.org or by calling 888-GO-TXTAG.

If you buy a TxTag, an electronic tag reader will deduct 10 cents a mile from your TxTag account.

If you don't buy one, your license plate will be photographed as you drive the loop, and the TxDOT will bill you for the toll, plus a processing fee of about 15 cents. Tolls might go up when more of the loop is completed.

And should drivers choose to ignore the bill, Krantz said they could go to court.

"Eventually, TxDOT can turn your unpaid tolls over to a collection agency. If you rack up enough, you might be headed to court," Krantz said.

Meanwhile, The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) is about to end a survey of Tylerarea travelers to learn their thoughts and opinions on the loop.

The survey, which available online until Thursday, can be found at www.tylertravelsurvey. org or on www.netrma.org, TTI completed a telephone survey in June

"It's important that we listen to what the community has to say," said North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NETRMA) Chairman Jeff Austin III. "Loop 49 is the community's road, and we want to hear the thoughts and concerns of those who use the road day in, day out."

According to Research Engineer Ginger Goodin, TTI will gather survey data through the month of November.

Topics covered in the survey include general awareness, the convenience and opinions on tolling.

The results of the survey will help guide future road planning in the Tyler area, Goodin said.

Tolling began Monday.

The NETRMA is an independent government agency created to accelerate the development of transportation projects in North East Texas.

The agency states its mission as "implementing transportation solutions that will enhance the quality of life and the economic environment in the area."

An 11-member board of directors that represent each of the member counties governs the NETRMA: Gregg, Smith, Cherokee, Harrison, Rusk, and Upshur.

But those who are traveling the loop still have questions:

Can I use my tag in more than one car?

No. The sticker must be affixed to the windshield in order to work. TxTags can't be removed from the windshield without damaging the tag, so one is needed for each car or truck.

What if I sell my vehicle? Or what if my vehicle is stolen? If your vehicle is stolen or sold, you should contact the customer service center right away.

Can I use my tag if I'm pulling a trailer with my vehicle?

Yes. Sensors in the road will detect the trailer and take the additional charge for the trailer from your account.

Can motorcycles use tags?

Yes, but motorcycles use a different type of tag than those used on cars and trucks. If you have a motorcycle, contact the customer service to request a motorcycle tag. There is a refundable $20 deposit.

How do I contact the Customer Service Center? You may contact the TxTag Customer Service Line Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 888-468-9824.

Can I activate my TxTag o n l i n e ? Yes, but you can activate only one tag per account online. If you want to manage more than one TxTag on your account, please call customer service.

How do I check my account balance?

You will be able to check your account balance on the Web site or by phone.

Will you send me a monthly statement?

If your account is registered, you may request free emailed monthly statements or you can have a monthly statement mailed for a fee ($1 for every 5 pages or portion thereof).

What do I do if I receive a Notice of Toll Violation?

If you receive a Notice of Toll Violation, contact the TxTag Customer Service Center immediately. If you are not a TxTag customer, your violation notice will include instructions on how to become a customer while resolving your violation.

Someone else was driving my car at the time of the violation. Do I have to pay?

Yes. Under Texas law, registered owners of vehicles are responsible for any toll violations.

Can I dispute a toll violation?

There are three exemptions to this responsibility, which must be submitted in writing before the violation can be waived.

The exemptions are:

* the vehicle was sold or transferred to another party before the violation occurred.

* the vehicle was leased or rented.

* the vehicle was reported stolen before the violation occurred.