Turnpike Board Hears From Foes of Privatization

Some New jersey lawmakers have spoken out against a plan to privatize toll collections on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which operates both roadways, held its monthly board meeting Tuesday. The authority said last year it would seek proposals to privatize E-ZPass and cash toll collections in 2016.

The toll collectors' union has already agreed to wage and benefit concessions.

At Tuesday's meeting, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, head of the Assembly's transportation committee, said the savings under privatization would be minuscule.

Assemblywoman Linda Stender told the board its savings estimates were calculated before toll collectors agreed to accept lower pay.

The Turnpike Authority is scheduled to receive proposals from private companies by August and vote on the issue this fall.

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