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Released: 7/17/2024 

DRPA Board Votes to Reduce Planned CPI-Based Toll Increase

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


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. The fares for PATCO, a subsidiary of the DRPA, will 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.

 Frequently Asked Questions

How much will tolls for passenger vehicles be under this new plan?

 

Effective 7/1/2011 to 8/31/2024

Effective 9/1/2024

Passenger vehicles, including motorcycles & small trucks less than 7,000 pounds gross weight

$5.00

$6.00

To view additional vehicle classes, please click here.

When does the new toll schedule take place?
The new toll schedule is set to take effect at midnight on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

Why is the toll going up?
The new toll 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. This will enable the DRPA to undertake vital safety enhancements and infrastructure improvements while adhering to the Authority’s bond covenants. Additionally, the new schedule supports DRPA’s current bond rating, which is crucial for effective cost management and financial stability. 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.

Are toll discount programs available?
There are toll discount programs available for frequent bridge commuters and senior citizens. Commuters using a NJ E-ZPass who make 18 or more round-trip bridge crossings in a calendar month can receive an $18.00 monthly account credit. Senior drivers enrolled in the program using a NJ E-ZPass can save 50% on passenger vehicle tolls. Enrollment in both programs is required, and terms and conditions apply to these programs.

What bridges are impacted?
The four DRPA spans include the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges.

When was the last toll increase?
The last toll schedule change occurred 13 years ago in July 2011, when the toll for passenger vehicles increased from $4.00 to $5.00.

Are PATCO train fares increasing?
PATCO fares are not increasing at this time.

How many times did the DRPA defer a toll increase?
Over the past 13 years, the DRPA has deferred a toll increase nine times. This was made possible through a combination of cost-cutting measures, debt reduction strategies, bond refunding transactions, and prudent fiscal management.

The dates and resolutions detailing these deferments are available below:

How does toll money get spent and for what specific purposes?
Toll revenue is used to ensure the safety, security, and serviceability of our bridges and facilities. These funds are crucial for both operational needs and ongoing capital projects aimed at maintaining, improving, and upgrading our aging infrastructure. Currently, the Authority has allocated $794.2 million over five years for these essential capital projects. To view our projects, click here.

Does DRPA’s toll revenue fund economic development projects?
No, DRPA does not spend any money on economic development projects.  DRPA only funds its core transportation mission.

In August 2008, the DRPA Board of Commissioners voted that no proceeds from the bridge toll and PATCO fare increases approved in 2008 would be used for economic development investments.  Subsequent Board actions in 2010 and 2011 currently prevent the Authority from making expenditures that are not directly related to its core business.

Since 2008, the DRPA has focused exclusively on managing bridges, discontinuing its involvement in economic development projects. All toll revenues are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing bridges and infrastructure. In January 2015, the DRPA reaffirmed its commitment through a new stewardship mission: “As stewards of public assets, we ensure the safe and efficient operation of transportation services and facilities, aiming to create value for the communities we serve.” This mission underscores the Authority’s core values of safety and customer service, guiding both daily operations and future strategic decisions.

How do you ensure transparency in spending and maintain accurate accounting records?
For over three decades, the DRPA has consistently upheld its reputation for financial transparency and reporting. It has been honored annually with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), marking a pinnacle in governmental accounting and financial reporting standards. This prestigious recognition underscores the DRPA’s noteworthy achievement under sound management and governance. DRPA’s accounting records and financial statements are audited annually by independent, certified public accountants who produce their report as part of an annual comprehensive financial report. To learn more and to view DRPA’s annual comprehensive financial reports, please click here.

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