The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has reaffirmed its decision to award TransCore a US$1.73bn contract to modernise E-ZPass services across the US state, following an independent review that upheld the original selection after a protest by the incumbent provider, Conduent.
The contract, originally approved by the NJTA Board of Commissioners in September 2024, will see TransCore implement a new E-ZPass back office account management system and overhaul customer service centre operations.
NJTA cited TransCore’s technical and operational capabilities as key factors in the best-value procurement decision.
Whitt Hall, president and CEO of TransCore, said: “We are pleased the NJTA recognised TransCore’s proposed solution as providing the best value to New Jersey. This affirmation allows us to move forward with delivering an enhanced customer experience.”
TransCore plans to hire hundreds of new employees in New Jersey to support the contract, including the staffing of two new customer service centres aimed at reducing wait times and improving satisfaction.
The firm will deploy its tolling technology with a focus on data security and operational efficiency.
FREE: Subscribe to the monthly Road User Charging Conference Newsletter!
However, in response to NJTA’s decision, Conduent has confirmed it plans to appeal. In a statement shared with CiTTi Magazine, Conduent said:
“We are disappointed with the NJTA’s decision but are not surprised given the one-sided nature of the NJTA protest process. Their decision glosses over the US$250m price difference and ignores NJTA’s failure to disclose that price differential to the NJTA Board of Commissioners. In addition, NJTA failed to give the Board the information they needed to make an informed decision.
“NJTA also dismisses the national security implications of the foreign government ownership of TransCore and the China connection. NJTA’s decision is filled with factual errors, misunderstandings, and misleading statements, including an incorrect estimate of the costs associated with Conduent’s staffing plan. We plan to appeal the decision, and our appeal will address all factual inaccuracies and misleading claims.”
The award follows TransCore’s migration of systems for other toll authorities, including the North Carolina Turnpike Authority.
Discover the key trends and challenges shaping the future of user-financed transportation – spanning tolling, pricing and road usage charging – at Akabo Media’s global Road User Charging Conference series. Join senior decision-makers from around the world as they tackle the issues defining the industry in Abu Dhabi (May 2025), Miami (September 2025), Singapore (October 2025) and Brussels (March 2026). Gain invaluable insights, share innovative ideas and network with global leaders driving the transformation of transportation systems. Click here to learn more and secure your place!
