Delaware River Drivers Face Brakes on Wallets Next Year: Toll Hikes Announced
In a move aimed at bolstering its financial footing, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has approved a significant increase in tolls across eight bridges that span the Delaware River. Starting January 1, tolls will rise by anywhere between $0.50 and $3 for various types of vehicles and payment methods.
The hikes, first proposed in July, are part of an effort to fund transportation infrastructure projects and offset rising construction costs within the commission's jurisdiction. With no other revenue source besides tolls, which are only collected from drivers entering Pennsylvania, the commission is taking drastic measures to ensure the structural integrity and safety of its bridges.
For two-axle vehicles under 8 feet high using E-ZPass, tolls will increase by $0.50 to $2, while those without an E-ZPass will pay a whopping $5. Similarly, per-axle rates for passenger vehicles over 8 feet in height, like buses and trucks, will rise from $6.50 to $8.
A total of eight bridges across the Delaware River – including the Trenton-Morrisville, Scudder Falls, New Hope-Lambertville, I-78, Easton-Phillipsburg, Portland-Columbia, Delaware Water Gap, and Milford Montague bridges – will be affected by the toll hikes. Drivers should expect a range of increases depending on their vehicle type and payment method.
"We're taking these steps to ensure the maintenance and operation needs of our bridges are met," said Joseph Resta, executive director of the DRJTBC. "The financial projections showed that if we don't take action now, we risk falling short in our general fund reserve balance and debt service coverage ratio."
With tolls set to rise significantly next year, drivers crossing the Delaware River may need to reassess their budget for road travel.
In a move aimed at bolstering its financial footing, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has approved a significant increase in tolls across eight bridges that span the Delaware River. Starting January 1, tolls will rise by anywhere between $0.50 and $3 for various types of vehicles and payment methods.
The hikes, first proposed in July, are part of an effort to fund transportation infrastructure projects and offset rising construction costs within the commission's jurisdiction. With no other revenue source besides tolls, which are only collected from drivers entering Pennsylvania, the commission is taking drastic measures to ensure the structural integrity and safety of its bridges.
For two-axle vehicles under 8 feet high using E-ZPass, tolls will increase by $0.50 to $2, while those without an E-ZPass will pay a whopping $5. Similarly, per-axle rates for passenger vehicles over 8 feet in height, like buses and trucks, will rise from $6.50 to $8.
A total of eight bridges across the Delaware River – including the Trenton-Morrisville, Scudder Falls, New Hope-Lambertville, I-78, Easton-Phillipsburg, Portland-Columbia, Delaware Water Gap, and Milford Montague bridges – will be affected by the toll hikes. Drivers should expect a range of increases depending on their vehicle type and payment method.
"We're taking these steps to ensure the maintenance and operation needs of our bridges are met," said Joseph Resta, executive director of the DRJTBC. "The financial projections showed that if we don't take action now, we risk falling short in our general fund reserve balance and debt service coverage ratio."
With tolls set to rise significantly next year, drivers crossing the Delaware River may need to reassess their budget for road travel.
... I'm just going to have to shell out more cash every time I drive across the river now. And it's not like they're giving us any warning or anything, just "starting January 1" boom! No chance to adjust my budget beforehand. And what really gets me is that they're relying on tolls for everything and can't find another way to fund their infrastructure projects. It feels like they just want to nickel and dime us to death 
.
It's already annoying enough having to stop and wait in line to use that thing, now you're gonna charge me extra for not being prepared? I swear, it's like they're trying to rob us blind... or at least our wallets 
. And what's with the different tolls for two-axle vs single-axle vehicles? It's just confusing! Can't they just make up their minds already? 
! I mean, who needs all that extra cash, right? 
But seriously, $0.50 to $3 increase in tolls? That's like trying to afford a latte these days 
️! Eight bridges are gonna get hit with the price hike, and it's not just about Pennsylvania – you gotta watch out for bus drivers too 
. I guess Joseph Resta is right, though, they gotta keep those bridges safe and all that jazz 
. Guess we'll just have to shell out a bit more cash next year... not that I'm complaining 
!
just saw the news about the Delaware River toll hikes... think they're gonna hit some people hard 
gotta say, I'm not a fan of these toll hikes 
so they're gonna hike tolls by like $0.50 to $3? that's a big jump 
that's another con 
i hope they come up with a more reasonable plan 
. Can't we find another way to fund these projects? Maybe look into grants or partnerships with local businesses? 
My squad and I are gonna have to start carpooling or something... I mean, I'm all for supporting the commission, but this is kinda steep 
.
Tolls are about to get a serious bump on the Delaware River! I'm not surprised they're raising prices - construction costs and whatnot can add up quickly. Still, $5 tolls? That's steep! 
Anyone got an extra few bucks just lying around? 
.
. i mean, the gov is tryin to fund those transportation projects and whatnot, so they gotta make some adjustments. $0.50 to $3 increase? that's def a bit steep for some people 
maybe we can even get some new ones built or somethin?