E-ZPass Discounts Scrapped

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has scrapped a 15 percent discount that E-ZPass users get on rush hour and weekend tolls.

But the change won't take effect for another year.

Authority members approved a plan yesterday that calls for the discounts to be eliminated as of January First, 2006. The move is expected to generate as much as $17 million more in tolls per year and will allow officials to borrow more money for highway improvements without paying higher interest rates.

The discounts initially were a selling point for the electronic toll system, but the proposal to scrap the peak travel times discount has drawn little public criticism.

And a spokeswoman for Acting Governor Richard Codey, who has veto power over authority actions, says Codey supports the plan and will sign of on it.

But there is some consolation for E-ZPass users who drive the turnpike -- the discount will remain in effect during off-peak travel hours.

Author: NBC10/AP