The New Jersey Turnpike Authority Friday approved a plan that would raise tolls less than initially proposed.


According to published reports, the authority's board voted unanimously for the plan, which would raise tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. Turnpike officials said at a public hearing that the increases are necessary to fund a 10-year capital improvement plan and to meet debt obligations.

The toll for the average truck trip on the New Jersey Turnpike will increase by $2.05 this year and $3.75 in 2012. The average truck trip on the Garden State Parkway will increase by 60 cents this year and 95 cents in 2012.

The 25 percent off-peak discount for E-ZPass users on the Turnpike will be continued. In addition, an across-the-board, 5 percent, off-peak E-ZPass discount will apply to all truck drivers using the Turnpike and Parkway. The off-peak discount will be offered 20 hours out of the day.

(See "New Jersey Scales Back Toll Proposal," 10/9/2008.)