This bill mandates that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) must appear before the Senate Transportation Committee and the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee before implementing any increases in tolls or charges, including automatic increases. The authorities are required to provide a detailed explanation for the proposed increase, covering aspects such as financial justification, the impact on commuters and businesses, intended use of the revenue, and any alternatives considered to minimize the increase. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a written explanation must be submitted to the Legislature at least two days prior to the committee appearance.

Furthermore, the bill imposes a restriction on the NJTA and SJTA, prohibiting them from implementing any toll or charge increase, including automatic increases, that exceeds two percent within a five-year period. This aims to ensure that toll increases remain manageable for the public while enhancing transparency and accountability in the decision-making process of these authorities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27:23-5.10, 27:25A-20