New Jersey commuter costs surge as Shore to NYC workers’ drive tops $17K a year

Rising tolls, congestion pricing and fuel costs strain affordability for daily workers

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A daily commute from Ocean County to Manhattan now costs more than $17,000 a year, underscoring growing affordability concerns for New Jersey workers as tolls, congestion pricing, and fuel expenses continue to climb.

For one Toms River commuter driving to New York City five days a week, the combined cost of tolls and gas has reached roughly $340 ...