Lawmakers consider private lanes on N.J. Turnpike

The Star-Ledger reports:

State officials said today they are discussing letting private firms operate some lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike to help pay for major transportation improvements without huge toll increases.

Under one proposal, privately run lanes would be set up solely for truck and bus traffic on the full length of the 122-mile Turnpike. Another plan would create "express lanes" where motorists would pay a premium to get away from traffic.

Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) and Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) said they have discussed the idea with Gov. Jon Corzine and other administration officials, and plan to have further talks. Corzine has pledged a new long-range transportation improvement plan by late summer.

Codey said leasing one or more Turnpike lanes to a private operator could finance a pending $2.7 billion widening project without giant toll hikes for those who don't use the new lanes.

For learning about separating roads from state,a libertarian idea who's time has come.