E-zpass under control of foriegn owned business is a risk to new jersey, congressman says

TRENTON, NJ – Congressman Jeff Van Drew is calling out New Jersey officials for awarding a multibillion-dollar E-ZPass operations contract to a company he says is linked to a foreign government, warning that state toll revenues are now being funneled into a system “not under American control.”

Speaking on the House floor this week, Van Drew criticized the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s decision to grant an $1.73 billion, 11-year contract to TransCore LP, a Nashville-based company owned by Singapore’s ST Engineering. The firm operates tolling and traffic systems worldwide, but Van Drew and other critics argue that ST Engineering’s parent company, Temasek Holdings, has board connections to the Chinese Communist Party.

https:// /Congressman_JVD/status/2014092352881656297

“In my home state of New Jersey, the E-ZPass system used by millions is now operated by a company under foreign government control,” Van Drew said. “Instead of choosing a responsible American bidder, New Jersey went with a higher, more expensive foreign bid. It’s a bad formula — higher costs, less transparency, and more foreign control.”

According to reports, Newark-based Conduent Inc., which had managed the toll system for more than two decades, submitted a $1.4 billion proposal — roughly $250 million less than TransCore’s winning bid. The decision sparked allegations of a lack of transparency and potential political favoritism in the contract review process.

State transportation officials defended the contract last fall, citing TransCore’s technology capabilities and project history, though they declined to comment on the congressional criticism. Van Drew has called for an audit of the bidding process and tighter oversight of state contracts involving firms tied to foreign governments.

The controversy has drawn attention as toll revenues remain a major funding source for the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. Lawmakers across party lines are now weighing whether new state laws are needed to prevent foreign-linked companies from controlling key infrastructure systems.

Key Points: Van Drew blasts New Jersey over ‘foreign-controlled’ E-ZPass deal tied to Singapore firm – Trenton

Rep. Jeff Van Drew criticized the state’s $1.73 billion E-ZPass contract with TransCore LP, citing foreign ownership concerns
The losing bidder, Conduent Inc., offered a proposal roughly $250 million lower than the winning bid
Van Drew is calling for an audit and new oversight measures to prevent foreign influence in state infrastructure contracts

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