Expert: Ron - 11/6/2009

Question
Last year when I left Mexico through the Columbia Bridge near Laredo I was given some info re a pass that would be needed for the toll road but I can't find any information online. The impression I got was that one would not be able to travel to this border crossing without a pre-arranged toll set up (sort of like EZ Pass). I don't want to get all the way out there and find I can't get to the crossing. Where/how would I get this info?

Answer
Hi Gwenneth, first of all a small warning. Friends going back to Canada last spring and again coming down in October were hit by the same cop this side of Columbia with a speed gun saying that they were speeding. My friends were not speeding. If it happens to you I suggest you fill out the police report form from www.ajijiclaw.com and if you can get a photo of the police car. But I know how difficult that is to do. Even if you have to pay mordida we all think it is worthwhile reporting the incidents.

Check out www.txtag.org/ to get a TxTag for Texas Toll roads. You need to either buy a TxTag passs on line or at convenience stores.

Otherwise there are cameras to record license plates and you are be billed. But there is a surcharge.

With the $20 Texas Tag, you would save $3.00 on the Camino Colombia Toll Rd, $6.35 on the Toll Rd by-passing I-35 on the Austin By-Pass. That would use up $9.35 for your northward part of the trip and another $9.35 returning to Mexico.

Let me know how you make out,
  Ron