Oh, the Economy

It looks like it’s going to cost you more money to get to work, dinner, or a concert in Philly or New Jersey. The finance committee of the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) has approved changes to bridge toll and PATCO fare schedules, tentatively effective this September. The full board is expected to vote at an August 20 meeting. If approved, this is what would happen:

BRIDGE TOLLS

• Going up a dollar: Tolls will be $4 in September 2008 and $5 in September 2010. Cost-of-living increases would occur every two years after that.


• No more commuter discounts: The credit for 18 crossings a month on the same transponder will be reduced to $12 from $18 in September 2008. Next year, expect a reduction to $6. Eventually, the discount will disappear completely.


• Go green and save: A $1 discount will be offered to E-ZPass customers driving low emission vehicles that get at least 45 miles to the gallon. The vehicles must meet the California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Standard. This discount is scheduled to start after two years. Click here for more information.


• Senior citizens also take a hit: Click here for more information.

PATCO FARES

• More money: Riders will see a 10 percent increase in September 2008, and another 10 percent in September 2010. Like the bridge, there will be a cost-of-living increase every two years after that.


• Reduced fare program would increase, too: The reduced fare program for seniors and the disabled, which is now 57 cents, would increase to 62 cents in September 2008. It would go up to 70 cents in September 2010.

To break it down for you, let’s use this example for PATCO. A person traveling from Lindenwold, Ashland, or Woodcrest to Center City would see their fare increase by 25 cents (from $2.45 to $2.70) in September. In September 2010, the cost would increase by 30 cents.

The last general toll hike was in 2000 when the toll went from $2 to $3. PATCO fares have been stable since 2001 when they were increased 16 percent.

More information regarding the proposed toll and fare hikes can be found on the DRPA website.

Image credit Flickr user gamillos