NJ Explores Cash-Free Tolls, Atlantic City Expressway Up First

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ —A south Jersey toll highway could soon be cash-free, with other Garden State roads poised to follow.

The South Jersey Transportation Authority is collecting proposals from companies that can supply an All Electronic Toll (AET) system, such as the commonly used E-Z Pass.

The SJTA is responsible for the Atlantic City Expressway and 47 miles of road connecting communities between Gloucester County and Atlantic City.

In 2021, 83.2 percent of drivers on the Expressway used E-Z Pass, according to SJTA data.

"For customers without and E-ZPass transponder or account, the system will utilize video-by-plate technology and bill them on a monthly basis," said Kimberly Testa, a spokesperson for the SJTA.

Testa said the AET system is expected to go live in May of 2025.

The SJTA's request for proposal mentions the toll system they choose could be expanded to other New Jersey toll roads.

Electronic proposals will be accepted through 2 p.m. on March 11, 2022. Proposals should include the design, development, implementation, and testing of the system as well as operation and maintenance.

AET systems are in place on the Scudders Falls Bridge (operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission), Testa said. She mentioned The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is also working on implementing that system.

This story was first reported by NJ.com.