Leaders consider raising toll rates during peak traffic times

(11/07/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Would you pay more money to travel toll roads at peak times, such as rush hour? It may become a reality - after county commissioners decided to take a look at it.

The last increase happened two years ago and added a million dollars more a week to the toll road authority. But officials say this new study is also aimed at easing traffic congestion.

Driver Darren Learson said, "I take it sometimes. It's quicker for wherever I need to go."

When the Westpark Toll Road first opened, some called it the best secret in town. But that's not the case anymore. During the morning and afternoon rush hours the road designed to ease traffic is often backed up bumper to bumper for miles.

On Tuesday the Harris County commissioners' court approved a study that will analyze the possibility of raising toll rates.

"Part of the study is congestion pricing -- the possibility of during rush hours times they could raise tolls so people who do use it will have to pay a little more," explained Gloria Roemer. "That may make some people not want to use it."

We asked drivers what they thought of the idea.

"I don't think that would be good because we already pay too much on the toll road and the beltway," said driver Kim Spears. "I don't think that would be too good."

Driver Joe Olmos said, "I think that's a good idea. That way the people who really need to be on that toll road will pay the dues that need to be paid, and those who don't want to pay it can take the side streets."

"It is safe to assume over time that toll rates will go up with inflation," said Harris County Judge Robert Eckels. "We have done that in the past, and we are required under bond covenants to do that in the future."

That means drivers will once again have a decision on their hands -- to pay or not to pay.

The $250,000 study will take months to conduct. Experts plan on looking at toll rates all over the county
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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