Tolls, traffic down on NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway

The New Jersey toll drop comes after Gov. Corzine earlier this year proposed significant toll increases to pay state debt and fund transportation projects. That plan lacked legislative and public support and Corzine is developing a revised plan, though he hasn't said what it might include.

By TOM HESTER Jr.
The Associated Press

7/23/2008

TRENTON, N.J. — Republicans again Wednesday called on the governor to call a special legislative session to address transportation funding, voicing worry about decreased traffic and toll revenue on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

Toll transactions on the parkway in June were down 4.3 percent compared to the same period last year. Revenues dipped 4.8 percent on the turnpike compared to June 2007.

Total revenues are $11.44 million below projected levels for the six months ending in June.

Turnpike Authority officials blame high gas prices, the economic downturn and lower than projected results from investments.

The drop comes after the Democratic governor earlier this year proposed significant toll increases to pay state debt and fund transportation projects.

That plan lacked legislative and public support and Corzine is developing a revised plan, though he hasn't said what it might include.

Sen. Andrew Ciesla said tolls are becoming a less reliable source of revenue.

If collections continue to be weak, he said, the Parkway and Turnpike will need all the tolls they can collect to pay maintenance and repair expenses.

"Winning support for steep toll hikes on these highways to finance statewide transportation needs gets less likely everyday," said Ciesla, R-Ocean. "It was never the best option in the first place. We need a Plan B."

The state's transportation is slated to run out of money in 2011.

Projects that could be at risk if more money isn't found include a new Hudson River rail tunnel to New York City.

Republicans want to use $500 million in motor vehicle fees to pay for transportation improvements, a move that would require the state to cut spending since that money is currently used on other needs.

Corzine has said he doesn't plan to call a special session this summer.

"The Legislature is expected back in September and there will be a full discussion of the transportation issues facing New Jersey then," Corzine spokesman Jim Gardner said Wednesday.