Gov. Murphy Approves Toll Hike On Major NJ Highways

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy has signed off on toll hikes on the state’s three major toll highways, meaning increases will go into effect Sept. 13.

A spokesperson for the governor’s office confirmed on Wednesday that Murphy signed approval letters to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) authorizing increases on the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway.

Tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike will increase by 36 percent, with the average trip increasing from $3.50 to $4.80. Tolls on the Garden State Parkway will increase by 27 percent, with the average trip increasing from $1.11 to $1.41.

In the case of the Atlantic City Expressway, there were objections to a plan to widen a 13-mile section of the road, according to nj.com. The plan also calls for a direct connector to be built to the Atlantic City Airport, the installation of cashless toll collections and support for NJ Transit’s proposed Camden-Gloucester light rail. The toll increase amounts to an average of 57 cents per passenger vehicle, with the toll at the Egg Harbor Plaza increasing from $3 to $4.25.

Murphy signed both letters on May 27, the same day those bodies approved toll increases. Governors can choose to not sign the minutes and veto actions on specific items. In the case of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Murphy specifically reserved the right to veto any other action taken by that authority at the May 27 meeting.

Several advocates and elected officials had objected to the increases, alleging the plan was pushed through while the public's attention is focused on the coronavirus pandemic.

Beginning in 2022, tolls can be adjusted every year by up to 3 percent to keep up with rising costs, according to the NJTA. Read more here: NJ Turnpike, Parkway Toll Hikes Approved Amid Coronavirus Crisis