A number of official statements and press reports this spring have indicated that the Turnpike will recommend a set of toll increases to bring in needed capital, that would take effect during the next several years (MTR #s 218, 220). It is unclear how Governor Whitman's run for U.S. Senate next year will affect the timing of the toll hike announcement and approval.

Gross spoke today only in the most general terms, but a possible toll policy scenario in the event of a toll increase would be a hike only during rush hours. Such a move would limit the overall impact of the increase, while the variation between peak and off-peak tolls should reduce congestion for those continuing to drive during the most crowded periods. Gross also said the Turnpike would like to introduce a discount for E-ZPass users when NJ's electronic toll collection system is finally operative. The difference between peak and off-peak toll rates would have to be worked out in this context, even though Gross admitted that the time when such a discount has been needed to ensure the adoption of E-ZPass by a high percentage of drivers has essentially passed into history.

Gross said that if the region "does not introduce value pricing policies as a significant transportation management tool," future transportation managers will face system failure. Among other statements from tri-state region officials, Gross' statement was the lone high point - Gross, along with NJ Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein and Governor Christine Whitman, should win high marks in transportation policy circles for the courage and foresight this new course represents.