CCJ | Commercial Carrier Journal - November 2008
finances November 2008 Commercial Carrier Journal 39 Write on Reader Service Card truck trip on the Garden State Parkway would have increased by 55 cents this year, by 95 cents in 2012, and by 30 cents by 2023. The new plan also provides an across-the-board 5 percent off-peak E-ZPass discount to all truck drivers using the Turnpike and Parkway. Truck drivers are experiencing added financial pressures due to the high cost of diesel fuel, Turnpike Authority Chairman Kris Kolluri wrote in a letter to Corzine. Reducing truck drivers' financial burden and encouraging them to travel during less congested travel times and to continue to use the Turnpike and Parkway, rather than local roads, are important objectives. The revised rates were drafted in response to the eco-nomic downturn as well as public sentiment gathered at three public hearings and written comments. The plan funds a $7 billion 10-year capital plan and makes a $1.25 billion contribution to the Transportation Trust Fund Authority for a mass transit tunnel between New Jersey and New York. n Under a newly adopted plan, the toll for the average truck trip on the New Jersey Turnpike will increase by $2.05 this year and by $3.75 in 2012. That's 50 cents less than the previously planned increase for this year and 5 cents less than the previous increase for 2012. Lower toll increases for trucks and automobiles are in response to high fuel prices and a slower economy. Fri Apr 4 15:11:02 PDT 2008 - VERTIS Master-568136 TOYO-07876