Sam Houston Tollway: Cash is as Dead as Disco, But Fear Not, Fellow Traveler!
So, you're cruisin' down to Houston for a weekend of barbecue and maybe a touch of NASA space geekery. The open road stretches before you, beckoning like a plate of perfectly smoked brisket. But then, a shadow falls across your sun-kissed optimism: the dreaded Sam Houston Tollway. You knew there'd be tolls, but that EZ Tag thing everyone talks about? Yeah, about as present in your car as a complimentary mint. Fear not, intrepid road warrior, for this here guide will be your compass through the tollway tempest!
Cash? You Mean That Stuff in Museums?
Let's face it, cash is about as useful on the Sam Houston Tollway as a flip phone in a smartphone world. Those toll booths you might remember from black and white movies? Replaced by a futuristic network of cameras and sensors that'd make Big Brother blush. So yeah, unless you're smuggling antique coins, forget about using cash.
EZ Tag: Your Ticket to the Fast Lane (Literally)
The EZ Tag is basically a magic sticker for your car that lets you zoom through toll booths (well, toll zones these days) without stopping. It's like an express lane for impatient people who like barbecue. You can get one online or at certain stores, and it automatically deducts the toll fee from your account. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
But what if you're a last-minute Lucy Ricardo and the EZ Tag sounds about as appealing as weekend homework? Don't despair, procrastinator pal! There are other options...
Options for the EZ Tag-Less: A Choose Your Own Adventure!
- Pay by Plate: This is exactly what it sounds like. They snap a pic of your license plate, and you get a bill in the mail. Just be prepared for a possible admin fee, because who likes extra charges, am I right?
- Ecotoll: This snazzy app lets you pay for tolls electronically without the need for an EZ Tag. Think of it as the Uber of toll roads.
- Become BFFs with Someone Who Has an EZ Tag: This strategy is a bit riskier, involving flashing puppy dog eyes and promising eternal friendship. Success is not guaranteed, but hey, it's worth a shot, right?
Remember: Don't be that guy who zooms through the EZ Tag lane without one. They'll take a picture of your car faster than you can say "busted!" Just follow these tips, and you'll be cruising the Sam Houston Tollway worry-free (and maybe with a slight case of the barbecue munchies). Happy travels!
