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Qualified veterans can drive free on Central Texas tolls with new discount program

The program, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, will allow participating qualified veterans to drive toll-free on the 183A toll, the 290 toll, the 71 toll lane, and the future 183 South and SH 45SW toll roads.

AUSTIN, Texas — A toll discount program allowing select veterans to drive toll-free on Central Texas toll roads has been approved, according to Mobility Authority.

The program, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, will allow participating qualified veterans to drive toll-free on the 183A toll, the 290 toll, the 71 toll lane, and the future 183 South and SH 45SW toll roads.

“While the Mobility Authority relies on toll revenue rather than taxing authority to deliver mobility solutions for Central Texas, we are pleased to be able to offer this program to veterans who have served our country,” said Executive Director, Mike Heiligenstein of the Mobility Authority Board of Directors.

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Board of Directors authorized the Qualified Veterans Toll Discount Program by unanimous vote at the July 25 Board of Directors Meeting.

Under Texas law, toll authorities are allowed to offer discounted or waived tolls for certain classes of veterans — disabled veterans, Purple Heart and Legion of Valor or Medal of Honor recipients, according to Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Texas House Bill 3139 was passed Sept. 1, 2009, after veterans said they were having difficulty affording travel to Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

Qualified veterans who wish to participate in the toll discount program will be required to register with the agency using the online portal on their website. The portal will be available prior to the launch of the program, according to Mobility Authority.

The program limits participation to one license plate per household and the vehicle must be associated with a qualified license plate and electronic toll tag account -- TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag, K-Tag, or BancPass.

All outstanding tolls acquired prior to Nov. 1 must be paid in full to be accepted into the program.

Mobility Authority said toll charges incurred on the MoPac Express Lane will not be waived under this program, as the variable toll pricing model is key to congestion management, and operation of the lane would otherwise break down.

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