Deadline extended for private toll collection

WOODBRIDGE (AP) — Toll collectors on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway will keep their jobs through the end of the year.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has extended the deadline for companies to submit proposals to privatize toll collection until Oct. 8. Tuesday marked the fourth time this year that the agency has changed the date.

Authority spokesman Tom Feeney tells The Press of Atlantic City  the plan would need final approval by the agency's board and a tentative vote is scheduled for Dec. 16.

The authority, which operates both roadways, is seeking proposals to privatize E-ZPass and cash toll collections in 2016 in order to cut costs.

The plan has met opposition from unions and some Democratic lawmakers who say the savings would be small.

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