Citizens Against Tolls

Updated 11/16/03

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Parkway Commuter Survey

This short (5 question) survey is for people who use the Parkway. First, we would like your opinion on whether you would mind a temporary toll increase as a way to remove tolls. Second, we would like to gather some information about typical Parkway commutes to see how they compare to what the Toll Authority tells us. Thanks in Advance!

Survey Question 1:
CAT has suggested a short, steep increase in tolls as a way to remove them. Here is the summary of how it appeared in the Star-Ledger on 11/30/02:

C.A.T. 3 Step, 3 Year Suggestion

1 - Increase all tolls to 50¢ and remove the Raritan toll plaza, netting the Parkway an extra $82 million.

2 - After a year, raise the barrier plazas to $1 and exit ramps to 50¢, and eliminate the Essex toll plaza, netting an additional $271 million.

3 - The following year the Parkway would end tolls at five more barrier plazas and half the ramp plazas.

After three years the Parkway would have an additional $515 million to pay off the debt and tolls would be eliminated. After that, the state's general budget could pay for the Parkway's day-to-day expenses and tolls no longer would be needed.

1) Should NJ impose a short but steep toll hike in order to remove tolls?

YES - It will be worth the short term pain to get rid of the tolls.
NO - Parkway drivers already pay way more than their fair share.

Survey Question 2:
The Toll Authority says the Parkway is one of the safest roads in the USA. We're not arguing that, but according to accident statistics, we think the Parkway could be even safer without tolls.

2) Do you think tollbooths cause accidents?

YES - Approaching and exiting toll plazas is hazardous.
NO - The tollbooths are just as safe as the rest of the highway.

Survey Question 3:
The Toll Authority tries to make the cost of driving the Parkway sound like peanuts - "only 2.2¢ per mile to drive its length". But that doesn't count any of the entrance and exit ramps, so the average is closer to 3.2¢ per mile according to one pro-toll web site. And it could be even higher than that depending on what section of the Parkway you need.

3) How much do you pay to use the Parkway?

Tolls Paid: $ in Miles.

Survey Question 4:
One of the major complaints about E-ZPass is from drivers falsely accused of being a toll cheat, leading to a hassle with the violations bureau to clear it up.

4) Have you ever been falsely accused of being a toll cheat?

No
Yes, but only once.
Yes, more than once.

Survey Question 5:
The Toll Authority down plays how much money is wasted collecting tolls, and maintains that only about 7¢ out of your 35¢ toll goes to collecting it. But our estimate is considerably higher. We don't think their numbers have a ring of truth to them.

5) Which type of employee do you see most while driving on the Parkway:

Toll Collectors
Police / State Troopers
Construction / Maintenance

Optional Comments / Suggestions:

Thank you for your input!

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