REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY MEMBERS ASK NEW YORK TO RESCIND DISCRIMINATORY TOLL HIKE ON NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY SET TO DISCONTINUE E-ZPASS DISCOUNTS FOR NEW JERSEY DRIVERS

    Five Assembly Republicans sent a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, asking the New York agency to rescind a policy that will discriminate against New Jersey motorists.

    Beginning July 12, E-ZPass users who did not purchase accounts through New York agencies will be charged the same rate as cash-paying customers. That means New Jersey E-ZPass users will face a 30 percent toll hike this month while those with New York accounts will have a 10 percent increase.

    “Although anyone may register for E-ZPass in New York, this decision discriminates against the multitude of New Jersey residents who already have registered for accounts in their home state,” the letter states.

    A copy of the letter – signed by several Republican northern New Jersey Assemblymen including Assembly Transportation committee member Scott T. Rumana, Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, Assemblyman Jay Webber, Assemblyman John Rooney and Assemblyman David C. Russo - is attached.

July 1, 2009

Chairman H. Dale Hemmerdinger
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
347 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017-3739

Dear Mr. Hemmerdinger:

We recently learned of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s decision to limit E-ZPass discounts to drivers whose accounts were obtained from agencies under the New York Customer Service Center.

Although anyone may register for E-ZPass in New York, this decision discriminates against the multitude of New Jersey residents who already have registered for accounts in their home state.

Understandably, your allegiance sides with New Yorkers over New Jerseyans, but we share one metropolitan region. New Jersey contributes much to New York’s economy from those who work, dine or spend their entertainment dollars across the river. This unfair pricing policy may cost New York some of the discretionary dollars New Jersey residents spend in your city and state.

Besides, raising tolls disproportionately for out-of-state residents is not fostering the neighborly relationship we need as this region, which is so vital to the nation’s economy, tries to rebound from these tough economic times.

We urge you to reconsider this pricing policy and continue to treat all who use E-ZPass equally.

Your neighbors:

         
Assemblyman Scott T. Rumana    Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce
40th Legislative District    26th Legislative District

         
Assemblyman Jay Webber        Assemblyman John Rooney
26th Legislative District    39th Legislative District

 
Assemblyman David C. Russo
40th Legislative District