Toll hike on I-10 managed lanes postponed

Prices will not increase as planned on Saturday, according to the Harris County Toll Road Authority, along the Interstate 10 managed lanes, shown here on their opening day in 2009. Prices will not increase as planned on Saturday, according to the Harris County Toll Road Authority, along the Interstate 10 managed lanes, shown here on their opening day in 2009. Photo: James Nielsen, Chronicle Photo: James Nielsen, Chronicle Image 1 of / 38 Caption Close Toll hike on I-10 managed lanes postponed 1 / 38 Back to Gallery

Solo drivers on Interstate 10's managed lanes won't have to shell out more for the trip, at least for now.

Harris County Toll Road Authority officials on Friday said they were suspending a planned rate increase, set for Saturday.

“This decision was made after careful consideration and will give the agency and its mobility partners time to weigh additional options to manage congestion,” officials said in a news release.

When officials announced the increase, setting peak prices as high as $10 for the 12-mile trip, they said it was the only tool they had to reduce use of the lanes so traffic remained at an acceptable speed. The higher prices also help encourage commuters to choose other options, such as transit or carpooling.

“HCTRA urges commuters to continue to seek alternate mobility options,” officials said.

Drivers reacted to the increase, announced last week, with frustration. Traffic around the region is increasing, many said, and their sense was officials were pricing them out of getting to work and forcing them back into the general use lanes.