Complaint Review: Harris County Toll Authority

Driving to Houston for the first time, I ended up on what I soon discovered was a "Toll Road" on my way to a wedding. On toll roads in Dallas/Ft. Worth, which is where I reside, there are no longer any active toll booths and thus, you ride through and receive a bill later. Assuming Houston works the same, I soon discovered that there is a huge difference. The Harris County Toll Road Authority sent me a bill, as I expected. However, when I was about to pay, I noticed that they tacked on a whopping $33.00 "Administrative Fee" to my tolls, which were only slightly above $3.00 total. This is ridiculous. The Toll Authorities in Texas are out of control with no accountability or limits to the excessive fees they charge, yet if you don't pay, the consequences are MAJOR. I have no problem paying for the tolls I incurred...but to pay an extra $33.00??? For what? That is exploitation at it's finest. When attempting to call HCTRA to resolve the issue, they NEVER answer the phone. The line is always either busy, or you wait on hold 10+ minutes until you finally have to hang up. Per the website, the only way to have the Administrative Fee waived is to purchase a $55.00 "EZ Tag". I have no use for an "EZ Tag"...I don't even live anywhere close to Harris County!!! What a legalized racket, if there is such a thing.