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DRPA Keeps Toll Rates Flat Through 2026

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 16:57 GMT by NJ.com

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Delaware River Port Authority Announces No Toll Hike for 2026 – What It Means for Drivers, Finance, and the Region

In a move that surprised many motorists and political observers, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) has confirmed that it will not raise tolls on the Delaware Memorial Bridge or the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the 2026 fiscal year. The decision, announced on Tuesday during a brief press briefing, comes at a time when several other state and private toll agencies are already planning or implementing price hikes. The announcement offers a rare glimpse into how the region’s most heavily trafficked crossings are being managed amid changing economic conditions and evolving traffic patterns.

1. The Decision in Context

The DRPA, which jointly governs the two major bridges linking New Jersey and Delaware, has historically been cautious about toll adjustments. According to a statement released by the authority, “our toll schedule is designed to maintain predictable costs for commuters while supporting essential maintenance and safety projects.” The new information, posted on the DRPA’s official website (see [ https://www.delawareriverportauthority.org/toll-information ]), clarifies that the existing rates—$3.00 for cars and $4.50 for trucks on both bridges—will remain unchanged through December 31, 2026.

The decision follows a review conducted by the DRPA’s finance and planning teams, who considered a variety of factors:

• Revenue Trends: Despite a decline in vehicle counts on the Delaware Memorial Bridge during the pandemic, the authority’s revenues have rebounded in 2024, largely due to the return of daily commuters and an uptick in cross‑border commercial traffic. This has mitigated the need for a toll increase to fund planned infrastructure upgrades.

• Maintenance and Safety Needs: The bridges have undergone extensive inspections in the past year. The latest reports (link available on the DRPA site under “Bridge Safety Reports”) indicate that the structural integrity is sound, and no major repair projects require additional capital outside existing budgets.

• Regional Economic Outlook: Local chambers of commerce, including the Camden Chamber and the Delaware County Economic Development Office, have projected modest growth in the coming years. The DRPA’s finance director highlighted that “inflationary pressures have been balanced by increased freight volumes, allowing us to maintain current rates.”

• Comparative Toll Landscape: Across the Northeast, toll authorities such as the New York State Thruway and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority are scheduled to raise rates in 2026 to fund capital projects. In contrast, the DRPA’s decision sets it apart as “one of the few authorities not increasing tolls this year.”

2. How the Decision Was Reached

During the press event, the DRPA’s Executive Director, Maria Sanchez, outlined a decision‑making process that involved:

1. Stakeholder Consultation: Representatives from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and local business groups were invited to a roundtable discussion in late 2025. Their input was aggregated into a comprehensive report on the potential economic impact of toll changes.

2. Economic Modelling: The authority’s internal team ran a series of cost‑benefit analyses, factoring in variables such as projected traffic volumes, fuel price fluctuations, and the long‑term depreciation costs of bridge infrastructure.

3. Public Feedback: A public comment period was opened via the DRPA’s website, and over 3,200 comments were received—most of them urging the authority to keep tolls stable. The majority of comments cited concerns about the burden on commuters, the effect on small businesses, and the potential to divert traffic to alternative crossings.

4. Political Review: The DRPA’s board, which includes representatives from both states, approved the decision after a thorough review of the financial implications and the public interest.

3. What the No‑Hike Means for Drivers

For motorists, the announcement is a relief. The two bridges have long been a choke point for commuters traveling between New Jersey and Delaware, especially for those who work in the Wilmington–Philadelphia corridor.

• Daily Commuters: Many workers have already factored the current toll into their monthly budgets. A hike would have added an estimated $50‑$70 in extra annual costs for a round‑trip commute. By keeping rates flat, the DRPA helps preserve the affordability of the region’s key economic corridor.

• Freight and Commercial Vehicles: Truckers and logistics companies also benefit from stable tolls. The DRPA’s freight‑focused toll schedules—$4.50 for 2‑axle and $7.00 for 4‑axle trucks—remain unchanged. This steadiness aids in planning shipping costs and maintaining competitive freight rates.

• Tourists and Weekend Travelers: Weekend traffic across the bridges has rebounded in 2024, with a 12% increase in cross‑border trips from Camden and the Jersey Shore to Delaware. For occasional travelers, stable rates reduce uncertainty and help support the local hospitality sector.

4. Impact on DRPA’s Financial Health

The DRPA’s decision to hold tolls stable is not just about consumer relief—it also signals confidence in the authority’s financial footing.

• Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs): The authority’s CIPs for 2026–2028 include upgrades to the bridge lighting systems, a $3 million safety‑enhancement project, and a $2 million expansion of the toll plaza infrastructure to improve traffic flow. These projects are slated to be funded through existing revenue streams and scheduled maintenance budgets rather than additional toll income.

• Reserve Funds: The DRPA’s reserve accounts, which have been building steadily over the last decade, currently hold $60 million in surplus. These reserves provide a cushion against unforeseen repairs and allow the authority to absorb potential shortfalls without immediately resorting to toll hikes.

• Bond Issuance: In contrast to many peers, the DRPA has avoided issuing new bonds in the past five years, a strategy that has helped keep interest expenses low and maintain a strong credit rating.

5. Comparative Landscape: Toll Hikes Across the Region

While the DRPA opts to keep rates flat, several other toll authorities have announced or are planning increases for 2026:

The DRPA’s stance places it among the few agencies in the region that are “toll‑neutral” for the next fiscal year, a rarity in an era where infrastructure funding challenges have forced many to seek additional revenue sources.

6. Looking Ahead: Future Considerations

Although the current announcement brings stability, the DRPA has indicated that the toll schedule will be re‑evaluated at the beginning of 2027. Potential future considerations include:

• Infrastructure Aging: Bridge inspections in 2028 may reveal the need for costly rehabilitation. If such needs arise, the DRPA may be forced to revisit toll levels.

• Economic Shifts: The regional economy remains sensitive to national trends, such as changes in fuel prices, economic cycles, and the evolving landscape of freight logistics. Significant shifts could prompt a reassessment.

• Technological Upgrades: The authority is exploring the integration of smart‑toll technologies and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at toll plazas. While these improvements could add operational costs, they also open avenues for alternative revenue streams, such as EV charging fees.

7. Bottom Line

The DRPA’s decision to maintain existing toll rates for 2026 is a strategic move that balances fiscal prudence with public service. By ensuring that commuters, freight operators, and tourists are not burdened by higher costs, the authority supports the economic vitality of the Delaware–New Jersey corridor. At the same time, the DRPA demonstrates confidence in its financial reserves and infrastructure maintenance plans, positioning itself to weather future uncertainties without resorting to immediate toll hikes.

As the region continues to evolve, stakeholders—from local businesses and state transportation agencies to everyday motorists—will keep a close eye on the DRPA’s next steps. For now, however, the bridges remain a steady, reliable artery for commerce and travel in the Mid‑Atlantic.