Bill would cut E-ZPass fees by 50% for NJ commuters
Drivers with 35 or more transactions per month would be eligible
Measure aims to give commuters a break from relentless toll hikes and inflation
If you commute to work using the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway, how would you feel about receiving a 50% discount on your E-ZPass bill?
Legislation A5205 was introduced that would allocate $250 million to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the South Jersey Transportation Authority to offer a toll reduction program for regular E-ZPass users with 35 or more eligible transactions per month.
Regular users of E-ZPass would get an account credit equal to 50% of the amount paid in a calendar month for qualifying transponder transactions.
Make NJ a little more convenient
MP Marilyn Piperno, R-Monmouth, one of the sponsors of the measure, said the idea was to help make the state a little more accessible.
“Many of us, particularly now in a post-COVID world, are back in our cars, commuting to and from our offices, and many of us have long journeys,” he said.
He said the bill would create a 1-year pilot program.
Every little bit helps
According to Steve Carrellas, director of government and public affairs for the New Jersey Chapter of the National Motorists Association, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority would not offer this type of discount to drivers unless they are forced to.
He said that for people who have to commute, “costs add up on toll roads, so any commuter discounts will help.”
He said drivers will certainly appreciate saving money, “especially with high inflation and an uncertain economy.”
“Given the inflation, gas price and toll increases that have been built in, the percentage increases that happen automatically in recent years and aren’t going away.”
The bill allocates $250 million to the NJTA and $250 million to the SJTA from the State General Fund to support the provision of account credits issued under toll reduction programs.
David Matthau is a New Jersey 101.5 reporter. You can reach him at [email protected]
Click here to contact an editor regarding feedback or a correction for this story.
50 most popular restaurant chains in America
YouGov investigated the most popular restaurant brands in the country, and Stacker compiled the list to give readers context on the findings. Read on to peruse the vast and divergent variety of American restaurants—maybe you’ll even find a favorite or two.
25 True Crime Spots: What Are They Like Today?
Below, find out where 25 of history’s most infamous crimes took place and what the places are used for today. (If they were left standing.)
