SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2157

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 6, 2024

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2157.

      As reported, this bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to establish and maintain an online payment processing system for the payment of any fees or fines allocated under the State’s electronic toll collection system.  The online payment processing system is required to increase the ease of use, increase accessibility for all users, minimize network errors, and include a live chat function to assist users with any issues that may arise while using the system.  The bill requires the NJTA and the SJTA to maintain and upgrade the system on a regular basis. 

      The bill also provides that if the NJTA’s or SJTA’s electronic toll collection system is operated as part of the New Jersey E-ZPass Group, the lead agency of the group is required to ensure that the payment processing system maintained by the New Jersey E-ZPass Group or contracted vendor, as applicable, complies with the requirements set forth in the bill, including conducting an annual performance audit of the system.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.