Senate votes down N.J. Turnpike toll hike
The New Jersey Senate voted Thursday to roll back a planned toll increase.
The measure directs the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to cancel the toll hike scheduled to take effect in January. It was intended to raise $1.25 billion for the canceled rail tunnel project under the Hudson River.
Gov. Chris Christie wants to use the money for the Transportation Trust Fund, but Senate President Steve Sweeney doesn’t like that idea.
“The tunnel project does not exist anymore. So that funding, to be fair and open to the public, should be reduced,” said Sweeney. “If the governor wants it, he can go get more if he wants. That’s his call. If he wants even more for the TTF, go sell it.”
Republicans say rolling back the toll could hurt the Turnpike Authority’s borrowing ability.
The measure will now go to the Assembly for consideration.
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