PET, Inc. Files Lawsuit Against CTRMA

People for Efficient Transportation working to stop unlawful CTRMA board from selling $250 million of bonds for first toll road.

Linda Curtis - 3/1/05
Austin Toll Party Press Release

People for Efficient Transportation, Inc filed a lawsuit today in State of Texas District Court against Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA - Toll Authority), Attorney General of Texas Honorable Greg Abbott, and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Honorable Carole Strayhorn, in their official capacities.

The lawsuit claims the CTRMA is composed of an illegal board. The board currently has 6 year terms, as per HB 3588, authored by State House Representative Mike Krusee.  A provision in the State of Texas Constitution says only State boards may have 6 year terms.  As a regional entity its terms must be 2 years or less.  The lawsuit is filed against CTRMA just in time to keep it from finalizing a $250 million sale of bonds that is set to take place on Wednesday [March 2nd].

PET officer, Sal Costello, said, "The illegal CTRMA board is unconstitutional and they should not be allowed to move forward with their bond sale or the double tax toll plan.  Tolling 50% of our Metro highway lane miles without a legal board or any economic impact study is a recipe for disaster."

Along with People for Efficient Transportation, Inc, Hannah Riddering is named in the lawsuit.  For 18 years Riddering has made a living from driving a taxicab.  "Because this experimental toll plan will charge us a fee to drive on our city expressways, for the first time in our county, it's an additional income tax for the public and especially for people like me that drive for a living," said Hannah Riddering.

Temporary Restraining Order hearing:
Wednesday, March 2nd, 10:00am
Room 412
County Courthouse

The injunction hearing is expected to be in about 2 weeks.

We understand this is very short notice, but if you're able to make it, it should be interesting!

Linda Curtis
Austin Toll Party