Cesar Chavez Express Toll Lanes open early, motorists try free

After two years of construction on the Cesar Chavez Border Highway, the tolls are open.

So what’s the reaction?

“I think they shouldn’t charge us to be on the border highway because it’s been a part of us for a long time,” El Paso resident Abraham Martinez said.

“I think it’s beautiful, perfect for citizens of El Paso and convenient to go to from one side of the city to another,” Horizon resident Lisa Costa said.

However, both Abraham and Lisa said there’s still a lot of questions … like how much it’s going to cost.

“If you run the entire nine miles you’re going to pay 90 cents,” Raymond L. Telles, the executive director of Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority, said.

The old lanes will remain free.

Where do you pay?

“Our relationship is with NTTA … our relationship is not with ACE,” Telles explained.

The RMA, as its called, the transit project organization that has brought the toll lanes to El Paso has partnered with the North Texas Tollway Authority.

The NTTA partners with ACE Cash Express, a payday lender, to collect cash for tags.

Paying at an ACE will cost you $3 initially to set up a card that must be loaded with a minimum of $40 and $2 every time you reload it. The ACE Cash Express website says there’s 21 locations across El Paso where you can buy your tags.”

Martinez said the need for the toll lanes is there.

“Especially in the mornings traffic is really, really heavy.”

If you’re in a rush paying for tolls just might be worth it.

Michael Rey from the NTTA stresses the best way to pay for a toll tag is on their website with a credit or debit card. Keep in mind if you do have one that you use on Cesar Chavez lanes you can also use it on other lanes, such as those in the Dallas area.