To: Harris County Commissioners Court
Date: June 8, 2021
Through: Roberto Treviño, P.E., Executive Director, Toll Road Authority
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Prepared By: Roberto Treviño, P.E., Executive Director, Toll Road Authority
Subject: Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) Non-Revenue Usage Policy Revision
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Project ID (If applicable]:
Purpose and Request:
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Recommendation to adopt the revised HCTRA Non-Revenue Usage Policy to include Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) in-service public transportation revenue vehicles, include Veterans Tolling Discount Program and to revise sections impacted by HCTRA moving towards an entirely electronic tolling system as soon as practicable.
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Background and Discussion:
On April 22, 2008, Commissioners Court adopted the HCTRA Non-Revenue Usage Policy to allow free passage to vehicles that were shown to be in the public’s and HCTRA’s best interest.
A revision to the policy is recommended to add METRO to facilitate a multi-modal transportation system that ensures safe and efficient travel for all individuals in the Houston Metropolitan Area. This is in the public interest and in the interest of the Toll Roads, to continue and expand public safety and mobility develop public and governmental awareness, support, and acceptance of the Toll Roads; and promote enhanced use. The public purpose will be expanded by permitting certain in-service Metro vehicles to have free passage on HCTRA toll roads in order to promote public transportation; increase ride sharing; improve regional mobility (particularly of underserved communities); reduce vehicular traffic; improve roadway safety; and alleviate environmental pollution by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. HCTRA will ensure that this public purpose is realized by implementing controls to identify METRO vehicles eligible for free passage, including requirements that METRO maintain an updated EZ TAG account and display an EZ TAG on all qualified vehicles. METRO in service public transit vehicles (also known as in service revenue vehicles) will be added to Section 3.1 Vehicles of the policy as well as defined in the Definitions section.
A revision to the policy is also recommended to include the HCTRA Veteran Discount Tolling Program which was previously approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court on September 29, 2009.
Fiscal Impact:
Anticipated revenue reduction impact for FY 2022 is estimated at $675k, estimate is based on calendar year 2019 toll revenue activity.
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Alternatives:
No other recommended solution for this identified public need.
Alignment with Strategic Objective:
This recommendation aligns with HCTRA’s strategic objective (IT-S01) to provide an efficient, well connected transportation experience .
Attachments:
Revised HCTRA Non-Revenue Usage Policy