It has been 10 days since the tolls went up 40% on New Jersey highways. 49% of those who responded to the MoreMonmouthMusings poll said the increases would alter their driving patterns. If there have been any numbers published about revenue and traffic, I haven't seen them.
From my own experience, I've avoided the toll rolls when practical. From the traffic on Routes 34 and 18, and the lack of traffic on the Parkway and Turnpike when I did use them, it would seem that I am not the only one who has done so. It is likely that people will go back to the toll roads rather than sit in traffic, but I suspect that the toll increases will not generate the revenue anticipated by Corzine, Kolluri and DuPont. Maybe then they will be forced to cut spending rather than always looking to raise taxes.
The Legacy of Thomas Lifson
1 day ago
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8 comments:
CUT SPENDING ???? you must be kidding ,Corzine will just raise the tolls up more to make up for the lost revenue !It's all he knows
I commute to Clark everyday...What's better...taking an extra 15-20 minutes to get to work, with a probably longer ride home...especially in the summer...or pay the extra .50 (.20 more at Red Bank for both ways and .30 more at Raritan for one way). I think I will keep opting to pay the .50 so I don't have to sit in traffic for an extra 30 - 40minutes per day. I think my time is worth more than 50cents.
Rick,
I'm glad your choice works for you.
I don't use the Parkway during the morning rush. Have you noticed any change in the amount of traffic?
Not so much...even without the toll booths going up in the morning, it still backs up at the bridge...which I just can't understand. Also, at different times of the year the traffic is lighter. This is one of those times. People take off for the holidays. Summertime going up is another one. It seems very light. Summertime coming home is a different story on Friday afternoons. Fuhgedaboutit. Luckily, we have summer hours and get out about 3pm on Fridays, so I beat most of the traffic going down the shore for the weekend. Still, the amount of time it would take me to go back roads just isn't worth it, and I bet that is what Trenton is banking on. That there are saps like me who would rather pay the little extra than sit and stew in traffic and/or deal with traffic lights. Unless I'm willing to do that, then I'm a captive audience, with captive being the optimum word.
Whatacanayado?
Rick,
I'm glad you think your time is worth more than 50 cents...what does your employer, who apprently pays you while you post on every website in New Jersey, think?
Inquiring Minds
The unfortunate truth is that New Jersey has become the boiling frog state. If you put a frog in a pot of boiling water, the frog jumps out. If, on the other hand, you put him in warm water and just keep turning up the heat, the frog will stay in the pot and boil to death. That extra 50 cents is just another step in boiling the New Jersey taxpayers. As for cutting spending, I don't see it happening under these people. Even when spending stays stable, they have a history of picking our pockets. Case in point, here in Red Bank, our water utility held costs stable but Councilman Dupont spearheaded a 10% raise in water/sewer rates. Next year, he'll surely do what his predecessors have done and raid the utility to offset spending in the general fund rather than make cuts. Boy, it's getting hot in here......ribbit ribbit
Luckily, my job affords me certain times during the day when I have some down time, yet stay until long after everyone else has gone home, if thats what the project entails. Too bad for you...you sound a little jealous. Not too mention that you post anonymously like some little child that has to hide behind the tree and throw rocks at the people passing by.
Oh, by the way...do you get off work at 4pm? If not, then you must be retired.
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