Trenton, NJ
Contact: Anthony Coley or Brendan Gilfillan
609-777-2600
RELEASE: April 27, 2006

Office of the Governor

Governor Corzine announces new transportation initiatives

(Trenton) - Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced new measures to assist New Jersey commuters amid rising gas prices.

 

"Skyrocketing gas prices are hitting people's pockets throughout the state," said Governor Corzine. "By aggressively monitoring gas prices, expanding transportation options, and ensuring a stable fuel supply, this administration is continuing to take action to ease the pressure on working families and keep our State moving."

 

Increased Monitoring

The Division of Consumer Affairs in the Attorney General's office has stepped up gas station monitoring to ensure that station owners and attendants are adhering to consumer protection laws. Investigators are checking to ensure that gas prices are not changed more than once in a 24-hour period, per-gallon prices displayed on roadside signs match the price on the pump, and octane levels are accurate. Over the past weekend, 15 citations were issued after visits to 200 gas stations.

 

"With gasoline prices soaring again, we will continue monitoring stations throughout the state to make sure consumers are treated fairly," said Attorney General Zulima Farber.

 

Reliable Delivery of Fuel

The Corzine administration is addressing the supply side of this problem by ensuring reliable delivery of fuel to gas stations.  This past weekend, Governor Corzine signed an exemption to Intrastate Trucking Rules - now extended through May 1 st - to keep drivers on the road, and fuel at the pumps.

 

Self-Service Pilot Program

Governor Corzine will call on the legislature to review this issue and authorize a pilot program to allow self-service at select sites. The Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will also be conducting a study to assess cost savings associated with shifting gas stations to self service.

 

Director of Energy Savings

Governor Corzine initiated steps to address concerns about the rising gas prices last week when he announced the creation of the post of Director of Energy Savings. The Director will design and implement a program to increase efficiency, reduce usage, and improve the procurement of energy for the hundreds of facilities owned by the state. Through energy audits, bulk purchasing of energy, increased use of Energy Star compliant products and implementation of energy efficient practices at state facilities, New Jersey will save millions of dollars and establish itself as a leader in responsible stewardship of natural resources.

 

Increased Mass Transit Availability

To increase mass transit availability, NJ Transit has added 160 bus trips on 46 routes across the system since January. Over the next several months, 101 more trips will be added on 31 routes. On the rail system, NJ Transit will be offering 26,000 free roundtrip tickets to encourage new ridership and has reallocated passenger coaches to meet demand and provide seats where they are needed most. 

 

At the Governor's direction, NJ Transit will immediately take the following actions to help new customers use the system:

Ridesharing

NJDOT will also be expanding its ridesharing and carpool benefits to help relieve the financial burden on motorists.  NJDOT will provide $500,000 for individual $100 debit cards to be used for gas purchases by new registered carpool participants. In addition, NJDOT will staff a toll-free hotline through which motorists interested in ridesharing can be matched up with other interested parties.

"Gas prices have hit all of our residents hard this year and may continue to do so throughout the summer, but NJDOT offers alternatives to excessive fuel consumption," said NJDOT Commissioner Kris Kolluri.   "NJDOT, New Jersey Transit and the eight regional Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), constantly evaluate and implement programs that help the public reach their destinations safely and affordably."

 

New Jersey 's eight Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) have also implemented programs to ensure that motorists have a wide-range of feasible transportation options. These include shuttle services to link train stations and employment locations, Emergency Ride Home services as an "insurance policy" for those sharing rides to work and programs to support bicycling and walking.

 

For more information on local TMAs, motorists may contact www.driveless.com . New Jersey residents can obtain information regarding ridesharing, commuting and mass transit alternatives by calling 1-800-245-POOL or visiting www.njcommuter.com.

 

Incentives for Fuel-Efficient Cars

To create incentives for New Jerseyans to rely more on fuel-efficient cars, Governor Corzine has propseed a 0.4% surcharge when purchasing 'gas guzzler' vehicles, or vehicles that have an EPA rating of less than 19 miles per gallon.

 

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority will also be allowing Hybrid vehicles to travel in the Turnpike's High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. HOV lanes are located on the Turnpike north- and south-bound between Interchange 11 in Woodbridge and Interchange 14 in Newark and operate on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. northbound and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. southbound.