At a Glance
- Central Texas drivers will see a 3.01% toll hike on most routes starting Jan. 1, 2026.
- Toll increases apply to 290 Toll, 71 Toll Lane, 45SW Toll, 183 Toll, MoPac Express Lane, and 183A Toll.
- Pay by Mail rates are 50% higher than electronic tag rates, plus a $1 processing fee.
- Why it matters: The changes affect everyday commutes, freight costs, and the choice of payment method.
Drivers across Central Texas will pay higher tolls beginning Jan. 1, 2026, but the exact amount depends on where and when a vehicle passes a tolling point, according to a press release from the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA).
New Toll Rates Effective Jan. 1, 2026
The announced increases will take effect at tolling points on 290 Toll, 71 Toll Lane, 45SW Toll, 183 Toll, the MoPac Express Lane, and the upcoming 183A Toll express lanes. CTRMA said the fee will rise by 3.01% at a majority of tolling points, a hike that aligns with the Consumer Price Index.
How Toll Pricing Works
Toll roads charge a fixed rate for all lanes, while express lanes use variable pricing that fluctuates with traffic speed and volume. More cars and slower speeds in an express lane trigger higher prices, shown on variable price signs at lane entrances. Payment method also changes the cost: electronic tags are cheaper than Pay by Mail, which is 50% higher plus a $1 processing fee. Motorcycles, high-occupancy vehicles, and multi-axle trucks have additional toll adjustments.
Detailed 183A Toll Prices for Two-Axle Vehicles
The following table lists the electronic tag and Pay by Mail rates for each lane on the 183A Toll, effective Jan. 1, 2026:
| Lane | Electronic Tag | Pay by Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeline Mainline | $0.87 | $1.31 |
| Brushy Creek Ramps | $0.78 | $1.17 |
| Park Street Mainline | $2.00 | $3.00 |
| Scottsdale Drive Ramps | $0.78 | $1.17 |
| Crystal Falls Mainline | $1.52 | $2.28 |
| Crystal Falls Ramps | $0.71 | $1.07 |
| San Gabriel Mainline | $1.12 | $1.68 |
| San Gabriel Ramps | $0.78 | $1.17 |
| South Whitewing Ramps | $0.78 | $1.17 |
| Whitewing Mainline | $1.33 | $2.00 |
| North Whitewing Ramps | $1.05 | $1.58 |
| 290 Toll U.S. 183 Ramps (Direct Connectors) | $0.75 | $1.13 |
| Springdale Road Ramps | $0.75 | $1.13 |
| Giles Lane Ramps | $0.75 | $1.13 |
| Giles Lane Mainline Plaza | $1.53 | $2.30 |
| Harris Branch Parkway Ramps | $0.75 | $1.13 |
| Parmer Lane Mainline Plaza | $0.75 | $1.13 |
| 290/130 Flyover | $0.77 | $1.16 |
| 71 Toll FM 973 Mainline | $1.17 | $1.76 |
| 45SW Toll Bear Creek Mainline Plaza | $1.26 | $1.89 |
| 183 Toll 51st St Ramps | $0.83 | $1.25 |
| MLK Blvd/51st St ML Plaza | $1.55 | $2.33 |
| MLK Blvd/FM 969 Ramp | $1.12 | $1.68 |
| Smith Rd Ramps | $0.73 | $1.10 |
| Thompson Ln ML Plaza | $1.34 | $2.01 |
| Direct Connectors to/from SH 71 | $0.73 | $1.10 |
These rates apply only to two-axle vehicles; other vehicles may see different charges.
Key Takeaways
- Toll hikes of 3.01% begin Jan. 1, 2026, across major Central Texas routes.
- Pay by Mail costs are 50% higher than electronic tag rates, plus a $1 fee.
- Express lane pricing will vary with traffic conditions, affecting daily commutes and freight costs.
Central Texas drivers should review the new rates and consider electronic tags to save money as the new toll structure takes effect.
