N.J. Turnpike Rates Rise Monday
Higher tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike take effect Monday, with discounts in place for trucking firms that spend at least $10,000 a month in tolls, the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press reported.
The increases, which were approved in October, will boost tolls by about 40%, with another 50% hike planned for 2012.
A five-axle truck traveling the full length of the turnpike paid $21.20 before Monday. That now rises to $29.70 during peak hours, $28.20 during off-peak if the carrier pays $10,000 or less a month in tolls, or $26.70 if the carrier pays more than $10,000 a month in tolls via the E-ZPass system.
The plan approved by Gov. Jon Corzine (D) extended a 10% discount to trucks that pay more than $10,000 a month in tolls, have an E-ZPass account and travel during off-peak hours, the Press reported.
Some drivers may avoid both the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, which also will see a rise in tolls, at least for a while, as the new rates roll in, the Press said.
Turnpike Authority officials said the increase was needed to repay bonds the agency sold to finance construction projects, and to finance an $8.25 billion program to widen sections of the Parkway and Turnpike, the Press said.
