file photo by Boyd Loving
Congestion, conditions and safety shortfalls cost NJ drivers $1,951 a year, says report
EDISON – Advocates for a long-term transportation funding plan in New Jersey have gained a new argument: You’re already spending the money, even without a gas tax hike.
You spend it on mechanics, due to repairs triggered by subpar roads. You pay it to gas stations, filling up more often after sitting in traffic. And you’re forking it over to insurance companies through higher rates that result from crashes on roads lacking modern safety measures.
The tab for such deficiencies, according to a report issued last week by Washington-based transportation research group called TRIP, is $11.8 billion a year. That comes to a sticker-shock average of $1,951 a year per New Jersey driver.
“The total number in New Jersey is a little bit higher than other states, and it’s basically because of congestion costs,” said Will Wilkins, TRIP’s executive director, as the report was issued last week at the NJ Carpenters Funds offices. “New Jersey’s one of the most densely populated states, so the cost goes up when you’re sitting in traffic congestion both for your time and also the motor fuel that’s wasted as you sit there in traffic.”
100 true I paid 1800 for a rebuild on front end shocks steering arms bushings alignments tires hammered. By roads patch worked potholes hidden tax
Don’t be fooled by this argument
Any taxes raided will go to the favorites of the democratic controlled legislature.=Paterson, Camden & sewark