MoPac Express toll lanes to roll out higher rates in January

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heads up, Austin drivers: Commuters on the MoPac Express toll lanes will see higher rates in the new year.

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) is increasing the toll lane's base rate from $0.57 for each segment to $0.65 per segment, a spokesperson confirmed. That new rate will take effect Jan. 1, after the CTRMA board of directors approved the change in October.

The rate can increase yearly due to inflation, the spokesperson added. On top of the base rate, CTRMA applies variable toll pricing to the MoPac Express toll lanes.

Variable toll pricing is CTRMA's means of regulating how many vehicles enter the lanes in an effort to ensure they "remain free-flowing." When there is more traffic and higher demand for the toll lanes, the toll rates increase; during lighter traffic periods, rates drop.