Transportation User Fee

The Transportation User Fee (TUF) is a fee assessed to residents and businesses based on the traffic levels generated by each dwelling unit or business. View the City of Austin Ordinance regarding the fee.

This monthly fee, as defined in the municipal code, funds the maintenance and repair of roadways, signs, signals and markings, sidewalks and urban trails. This includes annual street resurfacing and other maintenance activities to keep Austin connected and our infrastructure in good condition. By managing and maintaining public right-of-way infrastructure, the City of Austin saves taxpayer money by intervening before full reconstruction is needed. Full street reconstruction can be costly and time-consuming; therefore, the fee-based preventive maintenance helps reduce these costs.

As part of the annual budget process, the Austin City Council reviews and adjusts the fee based on current needs. Residents can expect the new rate to go into effect during the November billing cycle. For residential customers, the fee is a variable monthly rate.

Residential Transportation User Fee Rates

For commercial customers, the rate is $109.00 per developed acre, multiplied by the usage category, which is based on the type of business.

For additional billing information, call 3-1-1 or contact Austin Energy Customer Care at (512) 494-9400.

Transportation User Fee Exemptions

Residential Customers

Residential customers may be eligible for an exemption if the person who is responsible for paying the utility bill meets one of the following criteria:

• Age 65 or older, or
• Does not own or regularly use a private motor vehicle, or
• Property is vacant (determined each month based on electric and water usage)

If you believe you are eligible for this exemption, please submit a TUF Residential Exemption Request Application. 

Submit Residential Application

Commerical Customers

Commercial customers may be eligible for an exemption while the property is vacant. Commercial properties must notify the City when their property is no longer vacant, or every three months, whichever occurs first. The Transportation User Fee will begin billing the commercial property after three months if a new form is not received. If you believe you are eligible for this exemption, please submit a TUF Commercial Exemption Request Application.

Submit Commercial Application

For additional exemption information, call (512) 974-7696 or contact Austin Energy Customer Care at (512) 494-9400.

TUF Questions

Who pays the TUF?

City of Austin residents and businesses pay the mandatory fee to help prolong the life of city infrastructure and assets.

What services does the TUF provide/cover?

The TUF is responsible for many services that help provide safety, access, and equity for Austin residents. It funds the repair/maintenance of existing assets. The TUF maintains streets, alleys, bridges, traffic signs and signals, as well as sidewalks. In addition to street and bridge maintenance, this fee helps maintain bike lanes, urban trails, constructs ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) curb ramps, and funds crossing guards throughout the city.

For question, complaints, and/or to report TUF-related issues, who do I contact?

For information or to report TUF-related issues, contact Austin 3-1-1 by phone (call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000), via their mobile app, or the Austin 3-1-1 website.