That's correct, to an extent. It's also a prime mover behind sprawl that is an issue. Water under the bridge in NJ. But it takes multi-faceted solutions that has to be accepted and used. Mass transit needs to be better used, but that's not the prime mission of the Turnpike Authority. And what was good for a population in the 40's and 50's isn't going to satisfy the population of now and for the 60-70 ensuing years.

I don't see anyone bitching about the 6 to 9 widening or the GSP widening that took place over the last decade, and in some cases under budget. They have a 10 year, $24B capital program they are on now that includes widening from Exit 4 to Delaware. Not to mention all the old bridges being repaired or replaced - all the while keeping the operations of each road moving fairly well. And whatever is being planned for this extension will take 20-30 years to be completed, at best. So future planning that may not make a whole lot of sense now, still need to be made and we can't just be thinking for today. North Jersey wouldn't be North Jersey without the infrastructure to make it happen. Yet we keep spitting out more people who need to move around, so instead of waiting for the Jetsons to show us the way that is better, we need to keep improving what we have.

So, back to your question, who would take over these decisions and planning/design processes? What other agency in your eyes would perform better and for less money, while keeping the economic engine of the region performing at it's highest level?

Really? That would be unwise. Bitch all you want about any proposal such as this, but it is a fairly well run agency.

Well the out of starters driving thru also contribute. All the toll money, train and bus passes don't go into one bucket to be freely shared. And if you think NJ Transit could manage the money better, then you are the only one.

But in what way is NJ Transit connected to NJTA? They aren't, and each have their own budgets and revenue streams to address what each entity is responsible for in regards to M&O and capitol programs. So ones spending spree, no matter the proposed use, has no affect on the needs or wants of other agencies.