New Jersey Drivers to Pay More to Cross Into PA

Bad news for anyone who plans to drive into Pennsylvania.

The Delaware River Port Authority has raised the cost of tolls on 4 major bridges into the Keystone State.

Effective immediately, the cost to cross the Walt Whitman, Betsy Ross, and Commodore Barry Bridges will rise twenty percent, from five dollars to six.

In justifying the increase, the Port Authority points out that this is the first increase in 13 years.  (When was the last decrease enacted?)

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Trucks, Buses, and Recreational Vehicles to Pay More

Trucks and recreational vehicles will also increase, with tolls increasing to $9 per axle and busses rising to $4.50 an axle.

According to the Delaware River Port Authority,

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 one bit of good news in all this is that there are discounts available for those who commute over these bridges often.

Senior Discounts Available

The Port Authority says if you use a New Jersey E-ZPass and make eighteen or more trips a month, you can receive an $18 monthly account credit as part of the Frequent Bridge Traveler Credit plan.

Also, seniors over the age of 65 are eligible for a discount.  You must be enrolled in their senior program to qualify.

New York Looking at Massive Increases

These increases come as the state of New York recently announced that they were postponing their plans for massive toll increases in what they call congestion pricing. 

New York authorities faced immense backlash from commuters who use the New York crossings to get back and forth to work.

Many believe the postponement of that increase will only last until after the elections in November.

Source:  DRPA