N.J. Gov. Corzine Permits Delaware River Port Authority Hikes

A 10% fare increase on the PATCO light-rail line and toll increases on Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey bridges are set to go into effect later this month as Gov. Jon Corzine last week announced that he will not overturn the authority's decision to boost fares and bridge tolls.

The DRPA approved the hikes Aug. 20 and the governor opted not to veto board meeting minutes, a move that would have nullified the $1 increase on the DRPA's four bridges and the 10% fare hike on the railroad that connects southern New Jersey to downtown Philadelphia. The authority plans to implement the increases on Sept. 14.

"The DRPA has shown through a series of public meetings and hearings that this action is necessary to keep the bridges and PATCO trains operating safely and efficiently," Corzine said in a press release. "Without this funding the DRPA would be unable to make vital investments in its infrastructure, like re-decking the 50-year-old Walt Whitman Bridge, rebuilding aging PATCO train cars, and completing other important safety and repair projects."

While the authority is a bi-state agency, with Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell chairing the agency's board of commissioners, Rendell does not have veto authority over DRPA board decisions.

Critics say the DRPA needs to operate more efficiently instead of asking motorists and PATCO riders to dip into their pockets. New Jersey Sen. Diane Allen, R-Burlington, said she would file legislation in the fall seeking to repeal the increases.

Along with this month's increases, the authority plans to raise bridge tolls another dollar to $5 in September 2010. PATCO fares also are set to rise another 10% at that time.

DRPA officials say the additional revenue will help support the authority's $1.1 billion, five-year capital plan, which includes bridge upgrades and a large-scale PATCO expansion project. That development includes adding new rail lines in Camden and Gloucester counties and extending Philadelphia lines to connect with three major sports facilities located in the southern metropolitan area.

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Transportation industry
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