Atlantic City Expressway plans all-electronic tolling

Some may not like the changes, he said, but this is what customers want and the SJTA has an obligation to its bottom line and the traveling public.

He said the agency hasn't hired any full-time toll collectors in the last three years, turning more to part-time workers to fill those jobs. He added that toll collectors have the chance to compete for more technical, back-office positions once the expressway goes cashless.

Leaders of the agency said the transition has to take place by the start of the next summer season, when traffic will shoot up again. The SJTA is working to add a third lane to the expressway westbound from the Garden State Parkway interchange to the Egg Harbor plaza by January. Several more phases are planned to eventually expand the third lane to where the road connects to Route 73 at Exit 31.

Officials said the move to all-electronic tolling is expected to cost $43 million, about one-third less than the cost of replacing the current toll plaza system.

Also projected are more than $3 million in savings for operating costs.

But don't expect the savings to lead to a toll decrease. Instead, officials say the greater efficiency will give them more flexibility in how and where the SJTA uses its resources, including the ability to put more money back into capital projects.

"The thought of trying to reduce tolls would be a wonderful thing, but it's not going to happen," said Gordon.

Contact staff writer Maya Rao at 856-779-3220 or mrao@phillynews.com.