National Security Concerns Rise as Foreign-Owned Firm Wins New Jersey Turnpike E-ZPass Contract

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Secaucus NJ, The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has awarded a $1.73 billion E-ZPass contract to TransCore, a company owned by Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering)—raising serious national security concerns over its ties to China. The decision comes despite Conduent, Inc., the U.S.-based company that has managed the system for 22 years, offering a $250 million lower bid.

Foreign Ownership Raises Alarms

🚨 Why the Concern?

• ST Engineering’s Parent Company: Temasek Holdings, a Singaporean government-owned firm, has been linked to China’s Communist Party (CCP).
• Chinese Influence: Until recently, Fu Chengyu, a high-ranking CCP member and former chair of Sinopec, was on Temasek’s board.
• Data Security Risks: E-ZPass systems collect sensitive information such as license plate numbers, credit card details, and travel patterns—which could be accessible to foreign entities.

Conduent Fights Back

🚗 Conduent has filed an appeal questioning the NJTA’s decision and raising concerns about national security risks. Former U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli (D-NJ), a consultant for Conduent, warned that the implications of a foreign-owned company monitoring U.S. transportation could be worse than the TikTok controversy.

💬 Torricelli stated:
“I would rather the Chinese knew what I was watching on TikTok than have the Chinese monitoring my car going up and down the New Jersey Turnpike.”

National Security Experts Warn of Risks

The New Jersey Turnpike is one of America’s busiest highways, connecting major East Coast cities. Experts warn that data tracking on government officials, military equipment, and cargo shipments could pose a serious security threat.

🔍 Key Security Risks:

• Potential Foreign Access to Sensitive U.S. Data
• Tracking of Government & Military Transport
• Precedent for Foreign Control Over U.S. Infrastructure

NJTA Remains Silent on Security Concerns

When asked about the decision to award the contract to a foreign-controlled firm for $250 million more, the NJTA declined to comment, citing Conduent’s ongoing appeal.

TransCore Defends Its Position

Whitt Hall, TransCore’s CEO, reassured the public that the company:
✔ Has been U.S.-based for 85 years
✔ Manufactures tolling products in the U.S.
✔ Complies with strict cybersecurity protocols

Hall emphasized that TransCore operates under a National Security Agreement (NSA) with the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury, ensuring that no personal data is shared with foreign entities.

What’s Next?

With national security concerns growing, Conduent’s legal challenge pending, and public scrutiny rising, the decision could face further investigation.

💬 Do you think a foreign-owned company should control America’s tolling systems? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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