Frequently Asked Questions — How to Ride METRO

I-45, Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 290 (operated by METRO):

• It’s free to use the lanes during operating hours as long as there are two, or sometimes three, people in the vehicle.
• Single occupancy vehicles are always required to pay a toll (using an authorized toll tag) when using the lanes.
• The toll amount varies by freeway, corridor and hour of the day.
• Toll rates for specific corridors are prominently displayed ahead of each lane entrance.
• Toll rates can also be found on the HOV/HOT Express Lanes page
• Tolls may change from one hour to the next. If this happens during your trip, you're charged the toll listed when you first entered the express lane.

I-10 managed lanes (operated by Harris County Toll Road Authority):

• Toll rates vary depending on the direction and time of day you're traveling.
• Toll rates are prominently displayed on the freeway and can also be found on the HOV/HOT Express Lanes page

I-45, Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 290 (operated by METRO):

You can use these toll tags in the HOT express lanes:

• Harris County EZ TAG
• TxTAG
• NTTA (North Texas Tollway Authority)
• Kansas Transit Authority (KTA)
• Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA)
• Dallas North Tollway (DNT)
• Bancpass

No other payment method is accepted.

For I-10 and other Harris County operated toll road lanes designated with an EZ TAG-ONLY sign, a TxTag or NTTA TollTag is also accepted, provided your account is in good standing and the vehicle's license plate is registered with your tag.

I-45, Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 290 (operated by METRO):

• METRO buses and vanpool vehicles travel free - but non-METRO buses and vanpools will get charged unless they use the HOV ONLY lane
• Motorcycles are always free
• Qualified U.S. military veterans are eligible to receive a discounted toll – find out more information, including how to apply, on this PDF brochure

The discounted toll amount is subject to change, and certain restrictions apply.

I-10 (operated by Harris County Toll Road Authority):

• Qualified U.S. military veterans are eligible to receive a discounted toll– find out more information, including how to apply, on this PDF brochure

Vehicles must display a qualifying license plate in order to be eligible for the HCTRA Veteran Discount Tolling Program.