Heads up, Cypress commuters: toll rates are going up in 2026
If you use toll roads to get around, brace yourself — toll rates are rising in the new year.
The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) has announced two separate toll rate increases that could affect Cypress-area drivers starting January 1, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. Here’s what you need to know.
SH-249 Tollway (Montgomery County)
Toll rates will increase on the Montgomery County Toll Road Authority (MCTRA) portion of SH-249 beginning January 1, 2026.
While this stretch is operated by MCTRA, HCTRA handles toll tag account management and customer service through an interlocal agreement — which is why many drivers associate it with HCTRA.
Both EZ TAG users and drivers without a tag (video tolling) will see higher rates depending on axle count and entry points like Decker Plaza and Hardin Store Road.
288 Expressway (Brazoria County)
Rates are also increasing on the Brazoria County Toll Road Authority (BCTRA) 288 Expressway, effective at the same time — January 1, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.
This applies to:
Northbound and southbound traffic
EZ TAG-only mainlanes
Vehicles with two or more axles
Cash is not accepted, and non-tag drivers will continue to pay higher video toll rates.
Why this matters for Cypress drivers
If you commute south toward Houston, travel frequently on SH-249, or connect to 288, these increases could quietly add up over the course of the year — especially for daily commuters.
👉 Pro tip: Having a toll tag still saves money compared to video/non-tag rates, even with the increases.
We’ll keep an eye out for any additional changes or future adjustments and break them down the moment they’re announced.
Drive safe — and budget accordingly.
