Rooney Introduces E-ZPass Bills To Protect New Jersey Drivers

TRENTON, NJ. – Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney has introduced a package of pro-commuter bills protecting New Jersey’s E-ZPass customers who use New York’s bridges and tunnels from being overcharged.

The legislation is in response to a recent AAA study that found drivers who purchased E-ZPass tags from out of state agencies are being charged the cash rate instead of the discount rate at New York bridges and tunnels operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Between 2012 and 2016, of the 92 million out-of-towners who didn’t receive the discount rate, 70 million were New Jersey drivers.

“One of the primary reasons E-ZPass was created was to offer drivers discounted rates,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “We now find that certain drivers are given preferential treatment – the only reason for which is that their E-ZPass was issued by a New York agency. These bills are an effort to level the playing field for our commuters and ensure the integrity of the E-ZPass system.”

The first bill (A5417) directs the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to update its website to warn New Jersey E-ZPass customers that discounts at out-of-state toll facilities may not be applicable to New Jersey E-ZPass customers.

The second (AR284) urges the MTA to provide discounts to New Jersey customers, and the third (AR285) encourages the NJTA and MTA to enter into a reciprocity agreement to provide E-ZPass discounts to residents of both states.