Toll Tag to choose in Houston (Austin, Howe: move, license plate, cars)

[anveshkm]

Originally Posted by westhou

So what exactly is the difference? I have an EZ Tag. I paid $40 to activate and it deducts from that $40 as I use the toll. When that runs out they charge another $40 and then it deducts from there as I use it. I can use my tag all over the state. I haven't had any issues with that.

So far, I found EZTAG is for Houston only but extended to statewide. It has got $40 account payment including $15 tag fee where as TxTag has got $20 min requirement without any Tag fee (tag is free with first $20 payment).

[trbstang]

Originally Posted by anveshkm

So far, I found EZTAG is for Houston only but extended to statewide. It has got $40 account payment including $15 tag fee where as TxTag has got $20 min requirement without any Tag fee (tag is free with first $20 payment).

Exactly. Over the years I've spent at least $105 on buying the EZTags for our cars when we got new cars or a new windshield. Tx Tag would have been free from what I see. You just don't have the convenience of a store front location to get new tags in Houston for the Tx Tag like we have for the EZTag.

The one drawback of the TX Tag is if you have 3 or more vehicles on your account, your replenishment amount and minimum balances are greater than for the EZTag. I have 3 vehicles, and my EZTag amounts are $40 and min of $10. TX Tag is $60 and $15 for 3 vehicles. But you can have up to 5 vehicles on a TX Tag vs only 3 on an EZTag personal account.

I'll have to get my daughter a tag soon since she will be using the tollway more, so I'll sign her up with a TX Tag just for herself.

[anveshkm]

I got TxTag and used two days back.. However my online account doesnt show any transaction details. When it will post to my account? (within 24-48 hours or instantaneous?). Or any issues with tag?. Its mounted properly behind the rear view mirror.

[shortel]

Originally Posted by trbstang

But you can have up to 5 vehicles on a TX Tag vs only 3 on an EZTag personal account.

I don't think thats right I have 6 vehicles on my ez tag account and never had anything but a regular account.but i do think the minimum is 40 dollars and they replenish the account to 80 dollars when I'm charged.

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by anveshkm

If TxTag is good over other tags, why would people buy other tags?. Having one tag is good for everyone to maintain too.

I think ignorance is the main factor. Wife & I are heavy EZTag users, and we've always sent our $15 to HCTRA every time we change vehicles. I only heard about TXTag a year or so ago.

Will I change? Not sure, since I have the EZTag account all set, auto-renew, auto-replenish, etc. But if I was starting over, I would go TXTag.

Originally Posted by westhou

So what exactly is the difference? I have an EZ Tag. I paid $40 to activate and it deducts from that $40 as I use the toll. When that runs out they charge another $40 and then it deducts from there as I use it. I can use my tag all over the state. I haven't had any issues with that.

They both work the same (or so close there is no discernible diff). BUT... EZTag charges you $15 for each new tag, and TXTag charges $0.

Only difference! I always recommend new users start with TXTag.

[visitingthisplanet]

TXTag is much better than EZ Tag. Have had both and TXTag's terms are better and online account management site much more user-friendly. If you still have a HCTRA EZ Tag I highly suggest making the switch!

[westhou]

Originally Posted by visitingthisplanet

TXTag is much better than EZ Tag. Have had both and TXTag's terms are better and online account management site much more user-friendly. If you still have a HCTRA EZ Tag I highly suggest making the switch!

It's going to be at least another 3 years before I get a new car so I'm not so worried about having to pay $15 for another tag. I'm not switching just to avoid $15 in 3 years.

[naadarien]

I just moved here last October. When I was researching it, TXTag was easier for me because I could just order it online (no need to go to a store) and pay $40 (I put two cars on the account right off). They mailed the tags to my home back in Vermont and when I brought the family down, our cars had the tags on them already. Made it super easy to get here.

The online process was very much like my EZ Pass (the tag that is used in most of the east coast) experience so it just felt like the best option. Haven't had an issue at all.

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by trbstang

The one drawback of the TX Tag is if you have 3 or more vehicles on your account, your replenishment amount and minimum balances are greater than for the EZTag. I have 3 vehicles, and my EZTag amounts are $40 and min of $10. TX Tag is $60 and $15 for 3 vehicles. But you can have up to 5 vehicles on a TX Tag vs only 3 on an EZTag personal account.

Not true. I just checked, and I have five active EZTag vehicles/tags at this time (and seven inactive).


PS: One small pet peeve; HCTRA won't remove older, inactive vehicles from your account. Even though listed as inactive, they stay on your account forever. I've called and asked about this, and they say their system requires this (BS I say).

[oceangaia]

Originally Posted by astrohip

I think ignorance is the main factor. Wife & I are heavy EZTag users, and we've always sent our $15 to HCTRA every time we change vehicles. I only heard about TXTag a year or so ago.

I wouldn't criticize anyone for that. Something like a dammed toll tag shouldn't require an exercise in diligent consumer shopping. And if you've been driving on or near the toll roads what do you see on all the signs? "EZ Tag" over some of the toll lanes with gates and "EZ Tag Only" over the main lanes. I don't recall seeing any signs anywhere on HCTRA roads that indicate TXTAG is accepted. Plus there are EZ Tag stores that you can just walk into and get it done on the spot.