Public opinion could sway New Jersey toll increases

[Bullwinkle]

Public comments are making a difference in New Jersey where officials are planning to change their toll increase proposal for the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

Turnpike officials announced on Monday, Sept. 29, that they scheduled a public hearing in October to present an alternate plan and receive comments on it. The hearing is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 10, at Turnpike Authority headquarters, 581 Main St., Woodbridge, NJ.

Under the initial proposal released to the public on Sept. 4, 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.

Officials said the current truck toll of $26.55 to run the full length of the New Jersey Turnpike would increase by $13.30 and become $39.85 in 2009. By 2012, truck tolls would increase another $19.90 to become $59.75. Add another $6 to that by 2023 for the projected toll rate of $65.75 for commercial trucks.

On the Garden State Parkway, the current truck toll of $12.25 for a full-length trip would increase to $17.50 in 2009, to $26.25 in 2012 and to $28.90 in 2023.

More: Land Line

[2xR]

The "Garbage State" is broke, they have taxed businesses and people to the point they are fleeing the state, and anybody who is anybody moved across the river to PA.

I suppose the only thing left for them is to toll those who are just passing through. If they can go ahead and get the full toll now maybe we can hurry up and get used to running the alternative routes. Soon the "go arounds" will be the main routes.

Jersey is so typical of what is wrong with America. I think the word is microcosm. Yup, look at Jersey and you'll see where America is heading.