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Released: 12/9/2009
DRPA Board of Commissioners Postpone Toll Increase
The Delaware River Port Authority Board of Commissioners cast two very important votes that will save money for the traveling public and reduce the Delaware River Port Authority’s debt. In an effort to reduce the burden on toll payers during a time of financial hardship, the Board voted to postpone the September 2010 toll increase. The tolls on DRPA’s four bridges – the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross will remain $4 until July 2011.
To adjust for a portion of the revenue lost due to the postponement, DRPA Commissioners voted to reallocate $8 million of economic development funds. This move allows the Authority to pay down its debt and delay increasing the tolls for next 10 months.
“Given the extraordinarily difficult times that have affected our economy, I am pleased that we are not applying additional financial strain to our customers,” said John H. Estey DRPA Chairman.
“People are hurting so we asked staff to find a way to hold off on a toll hike,” said DRPA Vice Chairman Jeff Nash.
“The Board’s postponement of the toll increase reflects its understanding of the impact this economy has had on people of this region, said John J. Matheussen DRPA CEO and PATCO President. “By not increasing tolls, the average toll paying customer will save approximately $200 during the 10 month time period.”
The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, PATCO, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal and the RiverLink Ferry.
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