MTR 292, Funding Question Tables GSP Non-Stop Tolls

Issue 292

October 27, 2000

Funding Question Tables GSP Non-Stop Tolls

The Garden State Parkway Barrier Toll Removal Act has been tabled by the NJ Assembly Appropriations Committee after members raised concerns about its financing plan on Oct. 12. The bill, sponsored by Assembly Transportation Chair Alex DeCroce, would require the NJ Highway Authority to replace the Parkway's toll booths with a high-speed system once E-ZPass users numbered more than 2/3 of rush hour traffic. It would allow E-ZPass customers to drive through tolls at normal highway speeds. The upgrade would be paid for with a temporary 15-cent toll hike for cash-payers.

Appropriations Chair Richard Bagger and other members questioned whether cash-paying drivers should bear all costs. The Tri-State Campaign suggests that the Appropriations Committee look to the NJ Turnpike. In the Turnpike's recent toll increase, cash-payers are charged 20% more, peak-hour E-ZPass users 8% more, while tolls for off-peak E-ZPass users were not hiked. A similar three-tier system for the Parkway would spread the cost of high-speed collection while reducing rush hour congestion by encouraging those with flexible schedules to drive off-peak.

During the meeting, Bagger called DeCroce's initiative "visionary" and emphasized that Committee members would work to craft changes to meet their concerns. A companion bill sponsored by Senators Robert Martin and Byron Baer has been introduced and awaits hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee.