Trenton, NJ – – Growing unease among New Jersey drivers over the security of their personal data has sparked a noticeable shift from the state’s E-ZPass system to Florida’s SunPass, an alternative toll collection system accepted in 21 states, including New Jersey.
The concerns stem from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s controversial decision to award a $1.73 billion, 11-year contract to TransCore, a company with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), prompting fears of data privacy breaches and foreign surveillance.
The contract, finalized in September 2024, has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and residents alike, who worry that TransCore’s parent company, Singapore-based ST Engineering, and its majority shareholder, Temasek Holdings, could expose sensitive driver information to foreign entities.
Temasek’s former board member, Fu Chengyu, a high-ranking CCP official until his resignation in November 2024, has fueled allegations of potential data vulnerabilities.
“Handing over critical infrastructure to a company with ties to China is reckless,” said U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), who has called for a federal review of the contract. “This is worse than TikTok when it comes to national security risks.”
E-ZPass, used by millions of New Jersey drivers, collects detailed travel and financial data, including license plate numbers, travel patterns, and payment information. Lawmakers like State Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) have raised alarms about the potential for this data to be accessed by foreign adversaries, citing Chinese laws that could compel companies to share information with the CCP.
“It’s unconscionable to allow any business with ties to a foreign adversary to manage our tolling systems,” Pennacchio wrote in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In response, many New Jerseyans are turning to SunPass, a Florida-based toll system that operates across 21 states, including key E-ZPass regions like New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
SunPass offers a similar transponder-based service, allowing drivers to pay tolls seamlessly without the perceived risks tied to the TransCore contract.
TransCore has pushed back against the allegations, with CEO Whitt Hall stating in a February 11 letter to Van Drew that the company “delivers the most secure toll systems” and operates under a National Security Agreement with the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury to protect data from foreign access.
“There is no connection between TransCore or ST Engineering with the Chinese Communist Party,” Hall wrote, dismissing claims as a “false narrative” spread by Conduent.
Despite these assurances, the lack of transparency in the bidding process and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s dismissal of Conduent’s protest have only deepened public distrust.
“The NJTA will tell you the Governor did the vetting, while the Governor refers questions back to the NJTA,” Pennacchio said, calling the process “unacceptable.” Posts on X have amplified these concerns, with users like
For now, the shift to SunPass offers New Jersey drivers a practical alternative, though it’s not without challenges.
Until those measures are in place, many New Jerseyans are voting with their transponders, opting for SunPass to protect their privacy and peace of mind.
“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 $250 million price difference and ignores NJTA’s failure to disclose that price differential to the NJTA Board of Commissioners, Conduent said in a statement today. “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.”
“This isn’t just about tolls,” said State Senator Douglas Steinhardt. “It’s about ensuring our critical infrastructure and personal data stay out of the hands of those who don’t have America’s best interests at heart.”