Murphy Vetoes 3 Percent Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike Toll Hikes
Governor Murphy has vetoed the toll hike for the Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike. The move comes as the New Jersey Turnpike Authority had approved it’s gigantic, multi-billion dollar budget which included a 3% hike on both of the state’s major toll roads. The Turnpike Authority blamed the toll increase on inflation.
Here’s what Murphy tweeted about his decision yesterday: “I am not satisfied with the justification provided for the toll increases reflected in the budget and need more information for why the board is taking this step.”
Members of his own Democratic party and members of the opposition Republican party had called for the Governor to make this move, which comes just days before early voting begins in the state’s mid-term elections. Had Governor Murphy not acted the toll increase on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike would have gone into effect on January 1st, 2024. the 3% increase would have made most exit tolls along the Parkway go from 75 to 77 cents. The Toms River and Asbury Tolls would have gone from $2.10 to $2.16.
Had the toll increase gone into effect it would have been the 4th toll hike in 4 years. But, at least for now, the toll hike is off because the Governor has vetoed the toll hike.
Reaction to the potential toll increase on WRAT’s social media was as you’d expect: 100% negative. Not a surprise there. Comments about the 3% increase included:
Donna points out her thoughts that the tolls on these roads have increased every year for the past three years while in the previous decade the tolls weren’t raised at all. At this rate, you’d think our roads would be paved in precious metals.
Before Murphy vetoed the toll hike, WRAT listeners weren’t happy about digging into their pocket more.
Michael’s point about the Garden State Parkway being the only north/south route in Ocean county hits home. The other is Route 9 and I don’t have to tell you how awful the traffic is on Route 9 during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Especially through Lakewood, Route 9 is a brutal ride. The Parkway is pretty much a monopoly.
The question is: how long will this pause on the toll hike increase last? Considering the fact that the mid-term election is just a few days away (early in-person voting begins October 28th) will Governor Murphy just wait a few weeks and re-introduce the toll increase? Only time will tell.
What's Your Wawa Weakness? A List Of New Jersey's Must Have Menu Items From Wawa
I had never heard of Wawa until I arrived in New Jersey In September of 1996.
The way locals talked about the place, you’d think it was some sort of magical kingdom.
What is so great about this convenience store? I knew mostly from 7-11 back home on Long Island, and a few of the Speedy Mart places attached to gas stations. We didn’t have Quik Chek back home either. Long Island needs to step up it’s game.
My brother, who still lives on Long Island, has been to a few Wawa locations on his trips down to South Jersey. It took one or 2 trips for him to “Get it.”
,
I didn’t really catch on until living in Jersey for a few months. I was slow on the uptake. I can hear the blonde jokes heading my way. Just be relieved I finally know why people love Wawa.
Wawa coffee is my liquid gold. I don’t buy it every morning, but I do buy it often. The Cuban Roast is my favorite. A hearty dark brew will only do.
I used to get the flavored coffees back in the day, but they just didn’t satisfy my desire for a rich dark roast.
When it comes to Wawa food choices, I have several favorites. The Napa chicken salad with dried cranberries and walnuts is near the top of my list. It tastes like I made it myself. They also have a grilled chicken salad that I like.
The soups, especially the cream of broccoli, are very good and not too salty. I hate oversalted soups, gross.
Wawa also has a secret menu. According to Wikihow, You can access Wawa’s secret menu, by approaching the touchscreen kiosk in the store, then click on the goose icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Most of Wawa’s secret menu items are seasonal, meaning you can only order them during certain months.
Check out Wawa’s app and website for their current promotions on secret and official menu items.
The inspiration for this article came from a post from Dane DeMarco, from Audubon, New Jersey, asking foodie folks, “What’s Your Wawa Weakness.”
Thanks Dane, this has crossed my mind as well.
Let’s find out which items on Wawa’s menu, Jersey folks have a weakness for.
Wawa Fries -Customized
When Carl is not working at the greatest rock radio station known to mankind; a station known around the globe; a station that has the best music, co-workers, advertisers and most importantly THE BEST F'N LISTENERS you may find me doing any one of the following: Riding or making mountain bike trails. playing with his kids. playing sand volleyball on 5th Ave, cooking amazing food, including on his sweet smoker grill, going to concerts, swimming in the ocean, going to amusement parks with his kids, and other stuff that rocks!
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