The Action Marks the First Toll Increase in 13 Years on DRPA Bridges
DRPA will Utilize New Toll Revenues to Enhance Safety, Security,
and Maintain Aging Infrastructure
Camden, NJ, July 17, 2024 — Today, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a new toll schedule, marking the first adjustment since July 1, 2011. Effective September 1, 2024, passenger vehicle tolls will change from $5.00 to $6.00. The revised schedule is essential due to the challenges of enhancing safety and security and maintaining aging infrastructure. It aims to provide the necessary financial resources for long-term capital projects, operational needs, and infrastructure upkeep.
Ensuring appropriate revenue levels is vital to keeping DRPA’s critical transportation infrastructure safe, serviceable, and secure, and to safeguard its bond rating, which directly impacts construction costs and borrowing expenses, ultimately reducing the financial burdens on commuters.
This is the first-time tolls have increased in 13 years for Authority bridges, which include the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross bridges. PATCO fares remain unchanged.
In 2008, the DRPA Board approved a revised toll schedule, linking biennial toll increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Philadelphia region starting January 1, 2013. However, the scheduled CPI-based increase has been deferred nine times since then. The latest delay pushed the CPI-based adjustment to August 1, 2024.
Following an evaluation of CPI changes up to September 30, 2023, indicating a necessary 30% increase, the Board voted to reduce the CPI-based amount to 20%, rounded up to the nearest $0.25 for each vehicle classification. This adjustment aims to balance financial needs for long-term capital projects and operational stability while complying with bond covenants.
“DRPA must undertake vital safety and security upgrades and infrastructure improvements,” said DRPA Board Chairman James D. Schultz. “Whenever we make decisions regarding tolls, we must do them through the lens of fiscal responsibility, and most importantly, safety. The new schedule supports DRPA’s current high bond rating, which is crucial for effective cost management and financial stability.”
The DRPA relies on toll revenue to ensure the safety, security, and functionality of its bridges and facilities. These funds are vital for both day-to-day operations and ongoing capital projects dedicated to maintaining, improving, and upgrading its aging infrastructure. Presently, the Authority has earmarked $794.2 million over five years for essential capital projects. These include reinforcing the bridge collision protection systems that protect the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges from ships, as well as painting and rehabilitating the bridge deck on the Commodore Barry Bridge. The additional toll revenue will enable the Authority to complete several high-priority projects, with flexibility to adjust plans due to increased costs and inflation.
In addition, the DRPA needs to take measures to improve the Authority’s ability to recruit and retain police officers. The increase in funding will make it possible for the DRPA to offer more competitive salaries to enable the department to attract and retain additional highly trained and skilled officers.
To view the complete toll schedule, visit www.drpa.org.
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Media Contact: Mike Williams