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Beginning at midnight Sept. 1, the first toll increase in more than 13 years takes effect on the Delaware River Port Authority‘s (DRPA) four bridges connecting New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Under the new toll schedule – approved by the DRPA Board of Commissioners in July – tolls for passenger vehicles, small trucks and motorcycles will increase from $5 to $6 on the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges. Trucks and recreational vehicles will see an increase from $7.50 per axle to $9 per axle; buses will pay $4.50 per axle, up from $3.75.

The last toll increases on the DRPA bridges came in July 2011. In 2008, a toll schedule linking biennial increases to the Philadelphia Consumer Price Index (CPI) was approved, starting in 2013. But the DRPA deferred that action nine times to avoid financial burdens on drivers.

In this year’s unanimous July approval, the DRPA board cited the need to address the challenges of enhancing safety and security while maintaining aging infrastructure. The CPI data called for a 30% increase. However, the board opted for a 20% increase instead, rounding to the nearest $0.25 per vehicle classification.

Officials note the Authority relies on toll revenue to cover the costs of day-to-day operations (safety and security), capital projects to maintain and upgrade the aging infrastructure, and more.

Upgrades on the horizon

Over the next five years, $794.2 million is earmarked for essential capital projects, such as reinforcing the bridge collision protection systems at the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges, painting and rehabilitating the bridge deck on the Commodore Barry Bridge, and more.

The DRPA says this action balances the need for capital projects and operational stability while also adhering to bond covenants.

“DRPA must undertake vital safety and security upgrades and infrastructure improvements,” said DRPA Board Chairman James Schultz in July when the new toll schedule was approved. “Whenever we make decisions regarding tolls, we must do them through the lens of fiscal responsibility, and more importantly, safety. The new schedule supports DRPA’s current high bond rating, which is crucial for effective cost management and financial stability.”

The new toll schedule, FAQs and other details is available here.

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