DRPA expected to hike tolls to $4 in September

Delaware River bridge tolls will rise to $4 in September, from the current $3, and PATCO train fares will go up 10 percent at the same time, if the Delaware River Port Authority board approves hikes proposed this afternoon.

Additional fare increases are set for 2010, with bridge tolls to go up to $5 and PATCO fares to rise another 10 percent. After that, increases tied to inflation would be imposed ever two years, beginning in January 2013.

As he announced the planned increases, DRPA chief executive John Matheussen said the agency would end its practice of pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into economic development on both sides of the Delaware River.

Matheussen acknowledged that "we have heard the discontent" of commuters angry at having their tolls used for such projects as Lincoln Financial Field, the Kimmel Center, the National Constitution Center, and the New Jersey State Aquarium.

Most recently, the agency approved $10 million to help build a soccer stadium complex on the Chester waterfront and $5 million for the National Museum of American Jewish History near Independence Hall.

"Going forward, I want to assure you that new monies raised from these proposed toll increases will not . . . be used for economic development projects," Matheussen said. "Our efforts and the toll monies will be dedicated to our assets, our bridges and PATCO."

Two public hearings on the increases will be held this month, and the board is to vote on the increases next month.