PAY YOUR TOLLS

1. http://tablet.olivesoftware.com/Olive/Tablet/AustinAmericanStatesman/SharedArticle.aspx?href=AAS%2F2013%2F10%2F03&id=Ar00402
2. Category of problem: Transportation
3. Level of problem: State level
4. The article concerns: Texas citizens using state toll roads that have unpaid tolls.
5. Why is this important to families/individuals OR how does it affect individuals/families?
       --Individuals who have unpaid tolls could be in danger of having their name released or worse. Those people could potentially have their cars impounded or have to go to court.
6. What are your views on the issue/policy?
       --In the article, the Texas Department of Transportation has given the 28,000 "habitual" toll violators plenty of chances to come forward and pay their bills. If you are a toll violator, the TX-DOT is going to give you a final chance to do the right thing and pay up. "Under the terms of a 90-day amnesty in Fall 2009, when the agency had 151,000 late payers owing $58.4 million in tolls and fines, those who came forward and paid (or set up payment plans) would see 90 percent of their late fees waived. TX-DOT was potentially turning its back on about $52 million." I think that might be a little too generous. Taking those 28,000 names and advertising them would be a great idea. It may be just the thing to light a fire under them and get them to come forward. I do not see how difficult it could be for someone to pay their toll fees. These people who are driving through the tolls are doing it for a purpose. Most of them, I assume, to go to work. If you have a job and are able to pay the gas for your car, then I do not see why you would not pay their tolls. There are also ways around tolls if you do not have the money to pay them. Those specific routes may take you longer, but they are the correct alternative. If I were in a situation where I could not pay for my gas and my tolls, then losing thirty minutes of sleep would be worth not having to pay.