The Texas Transportation Commission voted Jan. 31 to reduce toll rates for semitrailers on Toll 130 from Georgetown to Mustang Ridge and on SH 45 Southeast between Feb. 4–March 3.

The toll rate reduction is aimed at encouraging drivers of semitrailers to use the tollways and to reduce traffic congestion, according to the Texas Department of Transportation's website. The TTC is the governing board of TxDOT.

"Our goal is to address congestion and help people get to their destinations faster than sitting on I-35 through Austin," TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson said in a news release. "This is a great way to have trucks try SH 130 and see its benefits."

Reduced rates for toll plazas on Toll 130 range from $0.73–$1.69 for trucks with a TxTag and $0.97–$2.25 for pay-by-mail. For Toll 45 Southeast, rates range from $0.66–$1.00 for a TxTag user and $0.88–$1.33 for pay-by-mail.

There is a 33 percent surcharge for using the pay-by-mail method, according to the TTC. To purchase a TxTag, visit the website or call 1-888-468-9824.

Rates on other toll roads, including Toll 1, Toll 45 North, Toll 183A, Hwy. 290: Manor Expressway and Toll 130 from Mustang Ridge to Seguin will not be part of the rate reduction. A full list of rates is available on the TxDOT website.

TxDOT first offered reduced rates in late 2011 and ended them in January 2012, according to the news release. During that time, the number of semitrailer tolls increased by more than 49 percent for Toll 130 and Toll 45 Southeast.