Jersey Drivers and Commuters are Mad as Hell
Here’s What to do About it.
Like the fictional anchorman in the movie “Network,” New Jersey motorists and commuters are mad as hell and they’re not going to take it anymore.
The anger stems from Trenton’s failure to rebuild the state’s roads, bridges and commuter railroads after almost three years of higher gas taxes that were supposed to fund such improvements.
New Jersey lawmakers approved a 27-cent-per-gallon gas-tax hike in 2016, with the understanding that the new revenue would flow toward upgrades in road and rail infrastructure.
Yet after nearly three years, one-third of adults say the quality and safety of New Jersey’s roads, bridges and tunnels have gotten worse. And a third of those has experienced car damage as the result of potholes or other road conditions in the past year.
The survey was sponsored by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 and conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in June.
Thirty-five percent of the 802 commuters polled said the quality of New Jersey’s roads, bridges and tunnels has deteriorated and 30% believe this vital infrastructure has become less safe. Only 16% said the quality of roads, bridges and tunnels has improved.
Both Democrats (69%) and Republicans (68%) believe infrastructure is very important to New Jersey’s economy. Majorities on both sides of the aisle say the state is not doing enough to fix the problem.
Despite Trenton’s claims that monies have been spent, motorists are not seeing the benefit and NJ Transit commuters still suffer poor service.
Is it any wonder people are mad as hell?
Ride With us as we Accelerate the Road to Repair.
Over the next several weeks and months, we will urge the governor’s office and the Department of Transportation to initiate the infrastructure projects that were envisioned by the TTF advocates in 2016. To receive updates of this activity and to lend your voice, please complete the form and help Accelerate the Road to Repair.
Join us on the Road to Repair
Although we funded the Transportation Trust Fund, the state has not undertaken infrastructure improvements on the scale needed to improve road and rail conditions. Many believe conditions have actually worsened.
The Road to Repair will focus on activities to accelerate improvements. Sign up to receive updates of what we’re planning and how you can help.
Let’s not take it anymore. Accelerate the Road to Repair.
SOURCES
Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll, “Motorists not Seeing Benefits of Recent Gas Tax Increases”
“Our gas tax went up but N.J.’s roads still stink, poll says, surprising no one”
Larry Higgs, NJ.com, July 10, 2019