Even with increased gas tax, drivers say they will remain loyal to Garden State gas

New Jersey’s gas tax is expected to go up 23 cents a gallon on Nov. 1. It’s part of a deal to refill the empty Transportation Trust Fund waiting for Gov. Christie to sign. Drivers from both sides of the river are not happy about it. 

Terrell Brown of Philadelphia says he always fills up the tank when he’s in New Jersey. “I’ll ride on an empty tank in Philadelphia until I get over here,” he said.

Brown says it’s not only cheaper, but they pump it for you, so he’s not changing his habits, even if Jersey gas isn’t as much of a bargain. “As long as it’s cheaper over Philly, no,” he said.

Monica Penn, who lives in Central Jersey, says politicians are again squeezing working people. “They need to think about the middle class more and stop thinking about themselves,” Penn said.

Peter Schnellenberger says the hike just adds to New Jersey’s already high tax burden. “But if it means getting the Transportation Trust Fund moving again, I think it’s an OK. It’s still cheaper getting gas here than in Pennsylvania.”

Pennsylvania’s gas tax will still be about 14 cents more than New Jersey’s. New York’s will also be higher, but Delaware will now be the state in the region with the lowest gas tax at 23 cents a gallon.