Big NJ Turnpike Toll Hikes Proposed

The NJ Turnpike Authority presented a plan that would rails tolls 50% next year--and then another 50% in 2012 and 11% in 2023, according to WCBS 2. Given the state's budget troubles, Governor Jon Corzine has been trying to increase the fare to more than $3 in 2014 and to $5.80 in a decade--to much public outcry--but this plan would see a $3 toll in 2023. Right now, the toll is $1.20 (average), and under the proposed plan, it would be $1.80 in 2011 and $2.70 in 2012). The NJTA's board said, "We believe increasing tolls, even minimally, is an action of last resort, not one of first choice," but there are many infrastructure projects, like maintaining the roads and bridges, that need funding.