Delaware River Port Authority Hikes Bridge Tolls, PATCO Fares

September 14, 2008 12:43 p.m. EST

Camden, NJ (AHN) - The Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey has implemented on Sunday increases in bridge tolls and PATCO fares.

Tolls on the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges had a $1 increase from $3 to $4. Tolls for trucks and buses also increased. The toll hikes are its first in seven years.

PATCO fares increased 10 percent to ride its Hi-Speedline.

New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine approved DRPA's plan to raise tolls by $2 in two years and fares by 20 percent by 2012.

Proceeds from the increases will be used to fund over $1 billion in capital projects for the next five years, including upgrades in the Walt Whitman Bridge and the improvement of PATCO's rail car fleet.

Commuter discount has been reduced from $18 credit to $12 for 18 trips a month on the E-ZPass bill.

Daily drivers enrolled in the commuter discount program will pay a total of $896 a year compared to their last year's bill of $332. Senior citizens will pay half price.