O’Scanlon Decries Toll Hikes Advanced without Transparency

The New Jersey Turnpike is set to increase tolls by 36 percent, and drivers can expect to pay 27 percent more on the Garden State Parkway.

The toll hikes are moving forward despite the lack of required public hearings due to the coronavirus crisis, and Senator Declan O’Scanlon called the maneuver “an outrageous slap in the face to the spirit of public hearing laws.

“Whether one supports or opposes the toll hikes, there is no honorable person who can claim that the spirit of our public hearing laws is being followed. The Governor has the entire state locked down. Residents can’t even take a stroll in a park to clear their heads and get some fresh air,” said Senator O’Scanlon (R-13). “Still, these costly increases are being leveled on commuters without any real transparency or legitimate opportunity for public examination. In our society, we have rules so these kinds of actions can never be conducted in the dark, outside of public scrutiny.

“Particularly, during these unprecedented times, no one can be expected to be paying attention to these issues. Virtually everyone is focused on saving their lives and livelihoods,” said Senator O’Scanlon.

The South Jersey Transportation Authority “held” a public hearing on raising tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway, but the public was prevented from attending due to the lockdown. The limited comment portion of the livestreamed meeting was dominated by members of unions that would benefit from the increases, according to an editorial published in the Press of Atlantic City.

“Whether you agree with the increases or not, the way the toll hikes have been handled obliterates every tenant of transparency. It is irresponsible for bureaucracy to avoid the public’s oversight and feedback.

“I’m a legislator who understands how essential it is to maintain a robust transportation infrastructure plan and a capital plan to fund it. But any plan that is implemented without public awareness, input and acceptance is an illegitimate one. Waiting three months to move this process forward won’t significantly negatively impact our transportation infrastructure,” Senator O’Scanlon concluded.