Merkt: Delaware River Bridge Toll Hikes Nothing But a Corzine Exit Tax on NJ Commuters, Seniors

Assemblyman Richard Merkt today said a proposal to raise tolls on the Delaware River bridges connecting New Jersey with Pennsylvania is yet another attempt by Governor Jon Corzine to tax state residents – this time on their way out of the Garden State.

“The governor failed miserably the first time around when he tried to foist an 800 percent increase in state highway tolls on motorists,” stated Merkt, R-Morris. “This proposed toll hike is nothing more than an exit tax. For the time being, Corzine couldn’t get our folks as they travelled within our state, so now he plans to tax them as they are leaving. Instead of trying to get people and businesses to remain in New Jersey, he’s picking their pockets as they flee.”

The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) last week announced a plan to raise tolls this year and in 2010 on the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges. Drivers would only pay one way - as they leave New Jersey. The current toll is $3, but would be increased by 33 percent in September and a like amount in September 2010. In addition, tolls would increase every other year beginning in 2013 based on the Consumer Price Index. Fares on trains that connect Philadelphia with southern New Jersey would also be hiked.

According to a recent Home News Tribune article, the proposal needs the blessing of the DRPA’s Board of Directors, which is controlled by Corzine and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.

Merkt added that the DRPA increases would hit senior citizens particularly hard as the cost for a round-trip senior fare would double. In addition, it would eliminate discounts during peak hours and require seniors to obtain E-Z Passes.

“Targeting our senior population is an especially low blow as if skyrocketing gas, food and energy prices weren’t enough of a hardship for them,” said Merkt. “Now, our mega-millionaire governor wants to take away what few travel perks seniors have. He hasn’t a clue how difficult it is for them to pay their monthly bills. Doubling their fares and taking away their toll discounts in these tough times is heartless and mean-spirited. He should be ashamed of himself.”   

Merkt warned that the exit tax is just a harbinger of things to come, noting that Corzine has been busy concocting another toll and tax scheme to fund transportation projects. Merkt  pointed out that neither toll hikes nor tax increases are needed if the governor will adopt the Republican-proposed plan to  provide $500 million of funding for transportation projects.

“Not every problem facing New Jersey justifies higher taxes, tolls or debt,” said Merkt. “Republicans have offered a fiscally-sound alternative, but once again, the governor has turned a deaf ear.”

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