OOIDA Information Update - New Jersey members
October 3, 2008

New Jersey truckers are encouraged to continue to make their voices heard on a proposal by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to raise toll rates. Public comments appear to be making a difference as officials may be reconsidering their toll increase proposal for the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

Turnpike officials announced early this week that they scheduled a public hearing Friday, Oct. 10, to present an alternate plan and receive comments on it. The hearing is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, at Turnpike Authority headquarters, 581 Main St., Woodbridge, NJ.

Under the initial proposal released to the public, tolls for commercial and passenger vehicles would increase by 50 percent in 2009, another 50 percent in 2012, and another 10 percent in 2023 on the New Jersey Turnpike. Tolls would increase by similar rates on the Garden State Parkway for both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Turnpike officials said the average truck toll is $5.05. In 2009, that toll would increase $2.55 to $7.60. In 2012, the truck rate would increase $3.80 to $11.40, and would increase another $1.15 to become $12.55 by 2023.

Officials said the increases are necessary for maintenance and capital improvements, totaling nearly $10 billion.

Officials have acknowledged that public comments received in writing or during three previous public hearings led to the fourth hearing being called. The recalibrated proposal is expected to be posted online sometime before the Oct. 10 hearing. Click here to view the Turnpike Authority’s Web site.