Department: Toll Road Authority
Department Head/Elected Official: Roberto Treviño, P.E., Executive Director
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Toll Road Authority for approval of revised policies related to the setting of toll rates; invoicing and collection of tolls; imposing fines and fees; administrative adjudication hearing procedures; and uniform enforcement on toll lanes operated by the County under certain agreements for tolling services.
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Background and Discussion:
The previous policies were developed when only cash and automated vehicle identification (AVI), such as EZ Tag, were used at traditional ramp and mainlane toll plazas. Over the years, new segments were added to the HCTRA System that did not include cash collection such as Westpark and Tomball Tollways, or cash collection was eliminated from some legacy segments, namely the Hardy Toll Road and the Ship Channel Bridge. In 2020, triggered by the onset of travel constraints associated with COVID-19 pandemic, cash collection was suspended on all remaining segments of the HCTRA system. These revised policies address the current operational structure, specifically the elimination of cash tolls in the lanes, and aligns the necessary collection and enforcement procedures, while maintaining existing toll rates.
The Toll Setting Policy establishes toll rates for image-based transactions (which reflect existing toll rates), refines the vehicle classification structure and corresponding toll rates, and provides guidelines for future rate adjustments.
The Toll Invoicing Policy establishes policies and guidelines related to the collection of tolls and other related matters for image-based transactions. It defines the invoicing process, establishes fees, and describes the allowable fee waivers for improved customer service.
The Collections Policy includes an Order Prohibiting the Operation of a Motor Vehicle on a County Project after Failure to Pay Required toll or Charge; imposes fines and fees; and adopts administrative adjudication hearing procedure for Violation of Prohibition to allow remote appearances, reduce hearing fees, and provide for uniform enforcement on toll lanes.
Expected Impact:
Approval of the these polices will enable HCTRA to efficiently implement toll rates, invoicing and collection processes that reflect the current and future operations. It is anticipated these policies will reduce revenue leakage, cover the cost of collecting tolls and improve enforcement along the toll system.
Alternative Options:
No other recommended solution for this identified need.
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
X Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any):
|
Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
|
12/01/2015 |
1.c.7 |
Court approval of the Violation Fee Waiver Reduction Policy and revisions to the EZ Tag agreement effective January 1, 2016 |
|
06/23/2009 |
1.d.4 |
Court approval of clarifications, additional definitions, and modifications to the Toll Rate Setting Policy |
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06/19/2007 |
1.a.2 |
Court approval of a Toll Rate Setting Policy |
Location:
Address (if applicable): N/A
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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FY 23 |
FY 24 |
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Existing Budget |
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Total Current Budget |
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Additional Budget Requested |
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Total Additional Budget Requested |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
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Additional Positions Requested |
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Total Personnel |
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Anticipated Court Date: January 10, 2023
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): August 2023 pending Court approval
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Nicole Stuttz, Chief of Staff, Harris County Toll Road Authority
Attachments (if applicable): updated policies - Toll Setting Policy, Invoicing Policy, Fine & Fee Schedule, and Order Establishing Uniform Toll Enforcement