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The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has approved a $2.7 billion budget for 2025, which includes a 3% toll increase on both the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. This marks the fourth such increase since 2020, according to NJ.com.
The National Motorists Association has called on Governor Phil Murphy to veto the increase, as he did last year when he stated he was not satisfied with the justification provided for the 3% toll increases. Steve Carrellas of the National Motorists Association warned that gubernatorial candidates from both parties could make the toll hikes a campaign issue next year.
The 3% toll increase is part of a process known as indexing, which allows the authority to automatically increase tolls by 3% annually. This process was introduced in 2020, resulting in a 36% toll increase on the Turnpike and a 27% increase on the Parkway.
The toll hikes have been met with opposition from both the public and political figures. Last year, Governor Murphy vetoed the 2024 budget approved by the Turnpike Authority, which included a 3% toll increase. He stated that he was not satisfied with the justification provided for the toll increases and needed more information on why the board was taking this step, according to NorthJersey.com.