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Update: Governor Murphy Vetoes Turnpike Toll Hike
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has approved a new budget of $2.6 billion, which includes a toll increase of three percent for the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. The hike was passed during a meeting held by the commissioners and is set to take effect from the first day of January next year.
Along the Garden State Parkway, mainline toll plazas will see tolls increased from $2.10 to $2.16. Tolls along the New Jersey Turnpike vary depending on distance traveled, but are scheduled to increase by 3%.
The decision has drawn criticism from a drivers advocacy group, which has called on Governor Phil Murphy to veto the part of the meeting minutes where the rate hike was approved. The group has expressed concerns over the process that was used to pass the rate increase.
The new budget and the fare hike are part of the Turnpike Authority’s plans for the upcoming year. The increased fares are expected to contribute to the overall budget, which will be used for various projects and maintenance work across the state.