Motorists who frequently use the DRPA's bridges over the Delaware River will see an $18 discount.
CAMDEN -- With toll discounts for frequent users of Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) bridges kicking in soon, a petition asking that the same offer be extended to the authority's PATCO riders is gaining momentum.
The change.org petition, which recently surpassed more than 130 supporters, asks the authority that oversees the Walt Whitman, Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross and Commodore Barry bridges to extend the new discount to those riding the rails.
"By definition PATCO is part of the DRPA community and should be included in any and all commuter discounts. PATCO riders should also receive the same discount for frequent use that drivers will be getting," the petition reads. "The current 'commuter discount' excludes public transit users and will lead to lower ridership on PATCO," the petition continues.
However, DRPA CEO John Hanson explained that changes to a port authority subsidy used to finance PATCO could affect bond ratings, which could in turn impact interest rates on capital projects.
"Because of the debt, rating agencies want to be sure we are monitoring assets that create revenue that pays the bills," Hanson said.
The rail service costs $52 million annually to operate. Of that figure, $46 million comes from fares while the remaining amount is covered by bridge tolls.
The cost of crossing the bridges is $5; PATCO passes range from roughly $3 at Camden City stops to $6 in Lindenwold, which is the end of the line in South Jersey. Hanson said 19,000 commuters user the service on a typical weekday.
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The bridge discount begins on Dec. 8 and will only apply to drivers who enroll and have E-Z Pass through New Jersey. Those who do will see $18 refunded to their accounts if they cross one of the DRPA bridge at least 18 times a month.
"We absolutely value PATCO riders and are very proud of services we provide," Hanson said. "Certainly we tossed the idea around and we talked about it," he added when asked if a PATCO discount was ever considered.
Although the DRPA expects to lose more than $6 million, no new toll increases are expected until 2020, according to previous reports. Approximately 30,000 E-Z Pass customers use the four DRPA bridges 18 times or more per month, the authority said when the program was announced during the summer.
PATCO recently rolled out refurbished cars and a two-year $103 million rail project along the Ben Franklin Bridge is winding down, expected to be completed this month.
"Shouldn't we reward those who use public transit rather than those who are increasing their carbon footprint," a petition supporter from Merchantville wrote.
Others from Haddonfield and Clementon echoed the effects of driving, adding that increased rail ridership helps alleviate congestion on the roads and could even show the need for future funding to upgrade the system.
"We're always concerned about PATCO affordability," Hanson said, noting that bridge toll increases in 2008 and 2011 were carried out in smaller percentages for PATCO.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
