The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) is set to vote on a proposed toll increase for the four bridges connecting New Jersey and Pennsylvania. If approved, this would be the first toll increase in 13 years. The current $5 toll for the Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, Walt Whitman, and Commodore Barry bridges would increase to $6. The toll hike could go into effect as early as August 1.
The DRPA's finance committee moved forward on the toll hike recommendation during its meeting in early July. The proposal now heads to the commission board for a vote on Wednesday (July 17). Bridge tolls are expected to increase by $1 for cars across all four bridges.
The initial toll hike approved in May would have increased the standard toll from $5 to $6.50. However, after Wednesday's resolution, the board now will have the opportunity to hike the toll by 20% instead of 30%, according to WCAU-TV."If the board fails to act, tolls will increase 30%, this means a $6.50 toll for passenger vehicles with a proportionate increase for other fare classes."
The toll increase is driven by the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure and enhancing safety and security. Even with the toll hike, the 50% discount for enrolled senior citizens and the $18 credit for 18 rides for frequent travelers will remain in place, the DRPA said.