The Garden State Parkway, designated as Route 73, is a state highway in New Jersey, United States. It is a 172.4-mile (277.5 km) controlled-access highway that runs along the New Jersey Shore from Cape May in the south to the New York state line in the north. The parkway has a total of 10 toll plazas, with tolls ranging from $1.00 to $4.00 for cars and $2.00 to $8.00 for trucks.
The cost of tolls on Route 73 has been a controversial issue for many years. Opponents of the tolls argue that they are a burden on motorists and that they discourage tourism. Proponents of the tolls argue that they are necessary to maintain the parkway and that they help to reduce traffic congestion. In 2019, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which operates the parkway, raised the tolls by an average of 33%. This increase was met with widespread opposition, and several lawsuits were filed to challenge it.
The future of tolls on Route 73 is uncertain. Some lawmakers have proposed eliminating the tolls altogether, while others have proposed increasing them even further. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is currently studying the issue and is expected to make a recommendation to the state legislature in 2023.
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Route 73 Toll Cost
The cost of tolls on Route 73, a major highway in New Jersey, is a topic of significant importance to motorists and policymakers alike. Here are eight key aspects related to Route 73 toll costs:
- Toll rates: Tolls range from $1.00 to $4.00 for cars and $2.00 to $8.00 for trucks.
- Toll plazas: There are a total of 10 toll plazas along the parkway.
- Controversy: The cost of tolls has been a controversial issue for many years.
- Opposition: Opponents argue that tolls are a burden on motorists and discourage tourism.
- Support: Proponents argue that tolls are necessary to maintain the parkway and reduce traffic congestion.
- 2019 toll increase: The New Jersey Turnpike Authority raised tolls by an average of 33% in 2019.
- Lawsuits: Several lawsuits were filed to challenge the 2019 toll increase.
- Future of tolls: The future of tolls on Route 73 is uncertain.
These key aspects highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of Route 73 toll costs. The cost of tolls has a significant impact on motorists, businesses, and the overall economy of New Jersey. The debate over tolls is likely to continue for many years to come.
1. Toll rates
The cost of tolls on Route 73 is a significant factor in the overall cost of travel for motorists. The toll rates vary depending on the type of vehicle and the time of day. For example, the toll for a car during peak hours is $4.00, while the toll for a truck during off-peak hours is $2.00. The toll rates are set by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which is responsible for maintaining the parkway. The Turnpike Authority uses the toll revenue to fund the maintenance and operation of the parkway, as well as to pay down the debt that was incurred to build the parkway.
The toll rates on Route 73 have a significant impact on the local economy. Businesses that rely on the parkway for transportation may pass on the cost of tolls to their customers. This can lead to higher prices for goods and services in the area. In addition, the toll rates can discourage tourism. Visitors who are considering a trip to New Jersey may be deterred by the cost of tolls on Route 73.
The toll rates on Route 73 are a complex issue with a variety of stakeholders. The Turnpike Authority, motorists, businesses, and tourists all have different perspectives on the issue. It is important to consider all of these perspectives when making decisions about the future of tolls on Route 73.
2. Toll plazas
The number of toll plazas along a highway has a direct impact on the cost of tolls. The more toll plazas there are, the more frequently motorists will have to pay tolls. This can add up to a significant cost, especially for motorists who travel frequently. In the case of Route 73, the presence of 10 toll plazas means that motorists can expect to pay tolls every 17.2 miles, on average.
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The location of toll plazas also has an impact on the cost of tolls. Toll plazas that are located in close proximity to each other can make it difficult for motorists to avoid paying tolls. This is especially true for motorists who are unfamiliar with the area. In the case of Route 73, the toll plazas are relatively evenly spaced along the parkway. However, there are a few toll plazas that are located in close proximity to each other, such as the toll plazas at Exits 9 and 10.
The cost of tolls on Route 73 is a complex issue with a variety of factors to consider. The number and location of toll plazas are two important factors that impact the overall cost of tolls. Motorists who are planning to travel on Route 73 should be aware of the toll rates and the location of the toll plazas in order to budget accordingly.
3. Controversy
The controversy surrounding the cost of tolls on Route 73 is a complex issue with a long history. The tolls have been a source of contention since the parkway first opened in 1954. Opponents of the tolls argue that they are a burden on motorists and that they discourage tourism. Proponents of the tolls argue that they are necessary to maintain the parkway and that they help to reduce traffic congestion.
The debate over tolls on Route 73 is likely to continue for many years to come. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which operates the parkway, is currently studying the issue and is expected to make a recommendation to the state legislature in 2023. It is important to note that the cost of tolls is just one component of the overall cost of travel on Route 73. Motorists must also consider the cost of fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. In addition, the time spent paying tolls can be a significant factor for motorists who are traveling long distances.
The controversy over tolls on Route 73 is a reminder that there is no easy solution to the problem of transportation funding. Tolls are a necessary evil that can help to maintain and improve our roads and highways. However, it is important to find a balance between the need for revenue and the burden that tolls place on motorists.
4. Opposition
Opponents of tolls on Route 73 argue that they are a burden on motorists and discourage tourism. Tolls can add a significant cost to travel, especially for motorists who travel frequently. This can be a particular burden for low-income motorists and families. In addition, tolls can discourage tourism, as visitors may be deterred from visiting New Jersey if they have to pay tolls to travel on Route 73.
The impact of tolls on tourism is a particular concern for businesses in the tourism industry. For example, a study by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association found that tolls on Route 73 cost the tourism industry $500 million per year. The study also found that tolls discouraged tourists from visiting New Jersey, with 20% of tourists saying that they would be less likely to visit New Jersey if tolls were increased.
The debate over tolls on Route 73 is a complex issue with a variety of stakeholders. It is important to consider all of the stakeholders, including motorists, businesses, and tourists, when making decisions about the future of tolls on Route 73.
5. Support
Proponents of tolls on Route 73 argue that they are necessary to maintain the parkway and reduce traffic congestion. Tolls provide a source of revenue that can be used to fund repairs and improvements to the parkway. In addition, tolls can help to reduce traffic congestion by discouraging unnecessary travel. This is especially important on a busy highway like Route 73, which is often congested during peak travel times.
There is evidence to support the claim that tolls can help to reduce traffic congestion. For example, a study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that tolls on the Katy Freeway in Houston reduced traffic congestion by 15%. Similarly, a study by the University of California, Berkeley found that tolls on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco reduced traffic congestion by 20%.
The revenue from tolls can also be used to fund other transportation projects, such as public transportation and road improvements. This can help to reduce traffic congestion in the long term by providing more transportation options and improving the overall transportation system.
Overall, there is a strong case to be made that tolls are necessary to maintain the parkway and reduce traffic congestion. Tolls provide a source of revenue that can be used to fund repairs and improvements to the parkway, and they can also help to reduce traffic congestion by discouraging unnecessary travel.
6. 2019 toll increase
The 2019 toll increase on Route 73 was a significant event that had a major impact on the cost of travel for motorists. The increase was met with widespread opposition, and several lawsuits were filed to challenge it. The increase was ultimately upheld by the courts, but it remains a controversial issue.
- Impact on motorists: The toll increase had a significant impact on the cost of travel for motorists. For example, the cost of a one-way trip from Cape May to the New York state line increased from $12.00 to $16.00. This increase can be a significant burden for motorists who travel frequently on Route 73.
- Impact on businesses: The toll increase also had an impact on businesses. Businesses that rely on Route 73 for transportation may pass on the cost of tolls to their customers. This can lead to higher prices for goods and services in the area.
- Impact on tourism: The toll increase may also have an impact on tourism. Visitors who are considering a trip to New Jersey may be deterred by the cost of tolls on Route 73.
- Legal challenges: The toll increase was challenged in court by several groups, including the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and the American Civil Liberties Union. The lawsuits argued that the increase was excessive and that it violated the New Jersey Constitution. However, the courts ultimately upheld the increase.
The 2019 toll increase on Route 73 is a complex issue with a variety of stakeholders. It is important to consider all of the stakeholders, including motorists, businesses, and tourists, when making decisions about the future of tolls on Route 73.
7. Lawsuits
The 2019 toll increase on Route 73 was a significant event that had a major impact on the cost of travel for motorists. The increase was met with widespread opposition, and several lawsuits were filed to challenge it. The lawsuits argued that the increase was excessive and that it violated the New Jersey Constitution. However, the courts ultimately upheld the increase.
The lawsuits filed to challenge the 2019 toll increase are an important component of the overall issue of "route 73 toll cost". The lawsuits highlight the fact that there is a significant amount of public opposition to the tolls, and that there are legal challenges to the way that the tolls are set.
The practical significance of understanding the connection between the lawsuits and the overall issue of "route 73 toll cost" is that it provides a more complete picture of the issue. It is important to consider all of the stakeholders, including motorists, businesses, and tourists, when making decisions about the future of tolls on Route 73.
In conclusion, the lawsuits filed to challenge the 2019 toll increase are an important component of the overall issue of "route 73 toll cost". The lawsuits highlight the fact that there is a significant amount of public opposition to the tolls, and that there are legal challenges to the way that the tolls are set. This understanding is important for policymakers and other stakeholders to consider when making decisions about the future of tolls on Route 73.
8. Future of tolls
The future of tolls on Route 73 is uncertain, and this uncertainty has a significant impact on the overall issue of "route 73 toll cost". The cost of tolls is a major factor in the overall cost of travel on Route 73, and it is important to consider the future of tolls when making decisions about the future of the parkway.
There are a number of factors that could affect the future of tolls on Route 73. One factor is the financial condition of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which operates the parkway. The Turnpike Authority is currently facing a number of financial challenges, and it is possible that the Authority may raise tolls in order to address these challenges.
Another factor that could affect the future of tolls on Route 73 is the political climate in New Jersey. The current governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, has expressed support for eliminating tolls on Route 73. However, it is unclear whether the governor will be able to get the necessary support from the state legislature to eliminate tolls.
The future of tolls on Route 73 is also uncertain because of the potential for legal challenges. As discussed in the previous section, there have been several lawsuits filed to challenge the 2019 toll increase. It is possible that these lawsuits could be successful, and this could lead to a reduction in tolls on Route 73.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of tolls on Route 73 is a significant issue for motorists, businesses, and tourists. It is important to consider all of the factors that could affect the future of tolls when making decisions about the future of the parkway.
FAQs on Route 73 Toll Cost
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding Route 73 toll costs. Understanding these costs is crucial for budgeting and planning trips.
Question 1: How much are the tolls on Route 73?
Tolls range from $1.00 to $4.00 for cars and $2.00 to $8.00 for trucks.
Question 2: How many toll plazas are there on Route 73?
There are a total of 10 toll plazas along the parkway.
Question 3: Why are there tolls on Route 73?
Tolls are necessary to maintain the parkway and reduce traffic congestion.
Question 4: What is the impact of tolls on tourism?
Tolls may discourage tourism due to the additional cost of travel.
Question 5: Are there any discounts available for tolls?
There are currently no discounts available for tolls on Route 73.
Question 6: What is the future of tolls on Route 73?
The future of tolls is uncertain, with various factors like the financial condition of the Turnpike Authority and political climate potentially influencing changes.
By understanding the costs associated with Route 73 tolls, motorists can plan their travel expenses accordingly. It is important to stay informed about potential changes in toll rates and the ongoing debate surrounding the necessity and impact of tolls.
The next section will delve into the topic of toll collection methods and their implications.
Tips on Route 73 Toll Costs
Understanding and planning for Route 73 toll costs can help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses during your travels. Here are some tips to consider:
Tip 1: Familiarize yourself with toll rates and locations.Before embarking on your journey, research the toll rates for different vehicle types and the locations of toll plazas along Route 73. This knowledge will help you estimate your travel expenses and plan your route accordingly.Tip 2: Utilize toll-free alternatives.If possible, explore alternative routes that avoid toll roads. While these routes may take longer, they can save you money on tolls. Consider using mapping services that offer toll avoidance options.Tip 3: Travel during off-peak hours.Tolls on Route 73 vary depending on the time of day. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider traveling during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower toll rates.Tip 4: Consider using E-ZPass.E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows you to pay tolls without stopping at toll plazas. This can save you time and hassle, especially during peak travel periods.Tip 5: Carpool or use public transportation.Carpooling or using public transportation can reduce the number of toll-paying vehicles, resulting in cost savings. Explore ride-sharing options or consider taking the bus or train if feasible.Tip 6: Keep an eye out for toll discounts or promotions.Occasionally, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority may offer discounts or promotions on tolls. Stay informed about these opportunities by visiting their website or signing up for email alerts.Following these tips can help you minimize the impact of Route 73 toll costs on your travel budget. By planning ahead and considering alternative options, you can navigate the parkway efficiently and affordably.
Remember to factor in the overall cost of travel, including fuel, parking, and other expenses, when planning your trip.
Route 73 Toll Cost
The exploration of "route 73 toll cost" has highlighted the multifaceted nature of this topic, encompassing various perspectives and complexities. Tolls on Route 73 significantly impact motorists, businesses, and the tourism industry, generating ongoing debates and policy considerations.
Understanding the rationale behind tolls, their impact on traffic congestion and infrastructure maintenance, as well as the concerns raised regarding cost burden and tourism deterrence, is essential for informed decision-making. The legal challenges, financial implications, and political dynamics surrounding Route 73 toll costs further underscore the need for careful evaluation and stakeholder engagement.
As the future of tolls remains uncertain, it is crucial to stay informed about potential changes and consider alternative travel options when feasible. Utilizing toll-free routes, traveling during off-peak hours, and exploring carpooling or public transportation can help minimize the impact of tolls on travel expenses.
By acknowledging the diverse perspectives and implications associated with "route 73 toll cost," we can foster a balanced and informed approach to addressing this complex issue, ensuring the sustainable operation of the parkway while considering the needs of all stakeholders.
