Starting on September 1, drivers who utilize the four bridges between New Jersey and Philadelphia managed by the Delaware River Port Authority will experience a toll hike for the first time in 13 years.
Since 2011, drivers have been paying a $5 toll to cross the Walt Whitman, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and Commodore Barry bridges. It has been a long-standing system, but it has served its purpose effectively.
The authority managed to keep the toll rate at $6, which is a relief for drivers. This is a positive development as compared to the earlier discussions in May where a $6.75 toll was being considered.
Since 2013, the bi-state authority has had the power to implement a biennial toll increase based on the consumer price. However, the agency’s board has repeatedly chosen to defer it, with a total of nine deferrals to date.
In December of last year, the authority gained attention for postponing a toll increase for the thirteenth time, maintaining the current rate of $5 for cars. Meanwhile, other toll agencies were raising their toll prices.
The board of commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the new toll rate schedule on July 17, putting an end to the joyous ride.
According to a statement from James D. Schultz, the authority board chairman, DRPA needs to prioritize safety and security upgrades as well as infrastructure improvements. He emphasized that any toll-related decisions must be made with fiscal responsibility and safety as the top priorities.
Although there has been an increase in both traffic and revenue year over year, it is important to note that levels are still below those of 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Jerry Sahi, the chief financial officer, traffic levels on July 17th were 5.2% higher than the same period in 2023. However, it still remains 5.9% lower than the same period in 2019 as reported to the board.
As of April 30th, the toll revenue has decreased by $1.946 million compared to the revenue of $103.6 million earned by the same time in 2019.
According to officials, the toll increase aims to gather $794.2 million to fund necessary capital projects over the next five years. These projects include the reinforcement of the collision protection systems that safeguard the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges from ships, in addition to the rehabilitation and painting of the bridge deck on the Commodore Barry Bridge.
According to officials, the toll revenue will enable the authority to attract and retain experienced police officers by offering more competitive salaries.
The tolls for trucks, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles will see an increase to $9 for each axle, which is up from the previous amount of $7.50. Similarly, the tolls for buses will be raised to $4.50 for each axle, which is an increase from the previous amount of $3.75 per axle.
