The Bergen Record and AP reported today that during the first five working days of 2012, since the January 1st toll hike, drivers in New Jersey have been avoiding the Turnpike and Parkway.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority says traffic on the two toll roads decreased in the first week of 2012 compared to a year ago. Spokesman Tom Feeney said that 70,000 fewer vehicles drove on the turnpike in the first five weekdays of the month. That’s nearly a 3 percent drop. More than 100,000 fewer vehicles traveled on the Garden State Parkway, a similar decrease.
It is nice to see the people of New Jersey deciding that they have had enough of these hikes. We have also changed our route on some days to avoid the Parkway and Turnpike. There are plenty of free roads in our state. Sure it might be a little out of the way. Maybe it will add a little time to your commute. But you may also find a deli or other local business that you did not know was there. We find taking the slow route to be relaxing as well. Try it.
The toll hikes are the second phase of a two-part increase approved in 2008 under then-Gov. Jon Corzine and are aimed at funding road and bridge projects.
Read more from the Record here: Toll hikes sending drivers on a detour
Read more from NJ1015.com here: As Rates Rise, NJ Drivers Avoiding Toll Roads.
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