Kolluri aims to improve NJ commuter experience in new role leading Turnpike Authority
New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri was voted unanimously as the executive director of the Turnpike Authority.
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One man is now in charge of New Jersey’s highway and mass transit agencies.
New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri was voted unanimously as the executive director of the Turnpike Authority.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill had previously nominated him for the job.
“This turnpike and parkway are assets that are the true gems of the state of New Jersey,” Kolluri said.
But precious gems come at a price. Toll revenue on the Parkway and Turnpike has eclipsed $2 billion each of the last four years, and 2026 began with 3% rate hikes.
Kolluri will oversee this investment into capital projects.
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“I’m sure people have all kinds of thoughts on how they would want to see this roadway constructed,” Kolluri said. “My job is to listen and to come to a judgment that serves both our customers as well as the broader public.”
The more than $10 billion turnpike extension project, including two new bridges over Newark Bay, generated over an hour’s worth of public comment at Tuesday’s board meeting. Dozens of commenters asked the new administration to reconsider its most expensive project over traffic and environmental concerns.
Kolluri is aiming to bridge the gap between the Turnpike Authority and NJ Transit.
“Alignment means, ‘How do you find ways to improve relations between organizations, and how do you focus on moving people efficiently from one place to another?’ Kolluri said. “We don’t destroy places that exist for 70+ years because it feels right. You do it because it makes sense.”
Kolluri will officially take over for the retiring James Carone on Feb. 9. He will accept a $1 salary from the Turnpike Authority, in addition to his $280,000 salary from NJ Transit.
