The NJ Turnpike Authority (NJTA) isn’t reversing course, Save Jerseyans.
This week, NJTA rejected an appeal filed by Conduent, the 20-year vendor, challenging the Authority’s decision to award control of EZ-Pass services to rival TransCore, a firm that’s parent company is allegedly linked to the Chinese government. The contract is worth $1.73 billion.
Conduent’s position was deried in a 107-page decision concluding that “Conduent’s challenges to the [TransCore] contract award are without merit.”
“TransCore takes great pride in providing the best products and services to our customers,” said Whitt Hall, TransCore’s President and CEO, in a statement released by the company. “We are pleased the NJTA recognized TransCore’s proposed solution as providing the best value to the state of New Jersey and has now rejected Conduent’s protest, affirming their decision after due consideration. We look forward to delivering an improved customer experience to NJTA customers. TransCore has successfully migrated Conduent systems for tolling authorities seeking better service and we are excited that toll authorities recognize TransCore as a partner that drives positive change.”
Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-2), who vocally criticized the initial decision, noted in his own press release that the firm will now have “access to sensitive data, including driver locations, payment information, and account details.”
“This is a bad decision, plain and simple,” said Van Drew. “The Turnpike Authority had a real opportunity to step back and fully assess the national security risks involved with awarding this contract to TransCore. Instead, they pushed forward and shut down legitimate concerns without serious consideration. This contract gives access to incredibly sensitive data and that kind of information in the wrong hands is a threat to our national security. I am once again calling on Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to take a hard look at this contract. Our infrastructure should always be protected with the highest level of scrutiny.”
TransCore is owned by a Singapore-based company that’s parent organization has alleged CCP ties. Chinese law isn’t ambiguous: Chinese companies have an obligation to supply personal data and other sensitive information to Beijing.
