NEW YORK, NY October 01, 2008 —Governor Corzine says he doesn't want potential toll hikes to be as high as what's been proposed.

Corzine says he's open to approving toll increases to fund transportation improvements, but he is ordering the Turnpike Authority to first pare down its $480 million operating budget.

The governor says the agency also must scale down its plans to raise $11 billion in revenue by raising tolls on the Turnpike and Parkway three times over the next 15 years.

The agency wants to use the money for various projects, including widening the two roadways and partially funding a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River.

After three public hearings and more than 1,400 written comments, transportation officials have begun re-examining the toll hike proposal.