From Toll Security to Atlantic City Casinos: Why Data Safety Matters in New Jerseys Gaming and Transit Sectors

Driving to Atlantic City from areas in New Jersey and the Philadelphia region could potentially expose drivers’ data to foreign entities, raising security concerns regarding access to sensitive information. A recent contract awarded to a tolling firm with ties to China has sparked debate about the safety of the state’s E-ZPass system.

In September, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority selected TransCore, LP, to manage the state’s E-ZPass system for the next 11 years. This $1.73 billion contract edged out a proposal from Conduent, Inc., which had managed the toll system for over two decades and offered a $1.5 billion bid. The Atlantic City Expressway, a key route connecting Atlantic City with Philadelphia, is part of this system.

The Journey to Atlantic City and Toll Costs

For those traveling from Philadelphia or other northern, southern, and western regions of New Jersey to the nine casinos in Atlantic City, tolls are an unavoidable cost. This often involves using the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or the Atlantic City Expressway. A typical one-way trip from Philadelphia to Atlantic City can cost as much as $6.30, including tolls at the Pleasantville Toll Plaza ($1.45) and the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza ($4.85). Consider planning your trip and budgeting accordingly.

Concerns Regarding TransCore’s Ties to China

TransCore, a subsidiary of Singapore-based ST Engineering, has drawn scrutiny due to its connections to China. While ST Engineering is controlled by a Singaporean conglomerate, it has close ties to the Chinese government. This relationship has raised national security concerns among officials and lawmakers.

Reports indicate that Fu Chengyu, a longtime board member at Temasek Holdings (the parent entity of ST Engineering), was also the chairman of China Petroleum and Chemical Corp., a major oil refining conglomerate owned by the People’s Republic of China. This connection has fueled worries about potential data access and national security risks.

Officials from Conduent have voiced concerns that TransCore’s handling of millions of vehicle data, including E-ZPass payment information, could pose a threat to the United States. There are fears that China might be able to monitor the activities of military vehicles, government officials, and other sensitive travel throughout New Jersey. This is a significant concern for the state’s security.

Former New Jersey Senator Robert Torricelli emphasized the potential risks, stating he would rather China have access to his TikTok activity than monitor his car travel on the New Jersey Turnpike. He highlighted that the NJ Turnpike is a vital transportation artery linking major cities and that monitoring it could provide valuable intelligence.

The security implications extend beyond personal privacy; there are worries about sensitive information related to government officials and goods potentially being compromised.

Legislative Response and TransCore’s Defense

Current Congressman Jeff Van Drew echoed concerns, stating that America’s security must always be the top priority. New Jersey State Sen. Michael Testa expressed his dismay at the award to TransCore and announced plans to explore legislative options to prevent similar situations in the future. This demonstrates a growing concern among state officials.

TransCore has defended its contract, asserting that all its tolling products used in the U.S. are American-made and that the company adheres to strict compliance agreements with the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury. However, these assurances have not fully alleviated concerns.

Toll System Volume and Importance

The Atlantic City Expressway handles approximately 65,000 vehicles daily, with numbers significantly increasing during warmer months. The NJ Turnpike and Garden State Expressway handle over a million vehicles daily and process over 400 million annual toll transactions. This high volume of data makes the system a prime target for potential security breaches.

Conclusion

The awarding of the E-ZPass toll system contract to a company with ties to China has raised significant national security and data privacy concerns in New Jersey. While TransCore maintains its compliance, the close relationships between the company and Chinese entities have prompted calls for greater scrutiny and potential legislative action. The sheer volume of data processed by the toll system underscores the importance of ensuring its security and protecting sensitive information from foreign adversaries. Residents and lawmakers alike are urging vigilance to safeguard New Jersey’s infrastructure and personal data.

Stay informed about developments in this situation and consider alternative travel options if you have concerns about data security when traveling through New Jersey’s toll systems.