Summary
– Majority of New Jerseyans support Transportation Trust Fund legislation for electric vehicle fees
– Poll conducted by Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey surveyed 809 registered voters
– Gas tax increase and annual electric vehicle fee will fund road, bridge, and highway construction
– Support for additional fees on electric vehicles is higher among older voters
– Majority want gas tax money dedicated to roads and bridges rather than NJ Transit funding
Article
Fairleigh Dickinson University conducted a poll in New Jersey to gauge public opinion on the recent Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) legislation, which includes an annual fee for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. The poll, sponsored by the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey and conducted in April 2024, surveyed 809 registered voters. The legislation signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy extends the TTF for five years, increases the gas tax, and imposes an annual fee on EV drivers starting July 1. The funds collected through the gas tax are used for road, bridge, and highway construction, as well as NJ Transit projects.
The poll results showed that the majority of New Jerseyans support the additional fees on electric vehicles, with 65% in favor and 29% opposed. Both major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, showed majority support for the fees, with older voters more likely to support them than younger ones. Additionally, 59% of respondents preferred that gas tax and vehicle registration revenues be dedicated to funding roads and bridges rather than subsidizing NJ Transit. Support for using gas tax money for NJ Transit was highest in urban core counties, but even there, 51% believed the funds should be used for roads and bridges.
Dan Cassino, a professor at FDU and executive director of the poll, highlighted the trade-off between environmental initiatives and road maintenance when it comes to implementing extra fees on EVs. He emphasized that voters prioritize keeping roads maintained over other concerns. Eric DeGesero, Executive Vice President of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, applauded the TTF legislation and emphasized the importance of ensuring that all road users contribute to maintaining the state’s infrastructure. He argued that EV drivers should pay their fair share due to the wear and tear their vehicles cause.
Regarding the use of gas tax money for NJ Transit, Cassino noted the recurring issue of agency funding in New Jersey. While some argue that funding NJ Transit is necessary, others believe that it is not fair to take money away from roads and bridges to subsidize a system that only a fraction of New Jerseyans use. DeGesero echoed this sentiment, stating that NJ Transit needs to operate within its own means and not rely heavily on funds designated for road infrastructure. He pointed out that NJ Transit receives revenue from various sources and should find ways to sustain itself without burdening drivers.
In conclusion, the poll results indicate strong support for the recent Transportation Trust Fund legislation in New Jersey, particularly regarding the implementation of fees on electric vehicles. The majority of respondents believe that gas tax and vehicle registration revenues should prioritize funding for roads and bridges over subsidizing NJ Transit. The debate over how to allocate resources between maintaining infrastructure and supporting public transportation remains a contentious issue in the state, with differing opinions on the best approach to ensure sustainable funding for both systems.
Read the full article here
