Philly Commute Costs To Increase This Fall 

Do you live in New Jersey and commute to work in Philadelphia?  Thinking of moving to New Jersey to commute to Philadelphia? 

Starting in September, this commute could cost a few extra dollars each month.  The DRPA just announced proposed fare increases today, which if approved, will be effective September 2008.  Here is a summary from the press release:

BRIDGE TOLLS

1. A $1.00 increase September 2008, another $1.00 increase September 2010 and cost of living increases every two years after that. There will be proportional increases for all other toll classes.

2. A phase out of the commuter discount. The credit for 18 crossings a month on the same transponder will be reduced to $12 September 2008, reduced to $6.00 in September 2009 and the discount would end September 2010.

3. The Senior Citizen discount would remain with a few changes. The Senior discount will now be directly linked to an E-ZPass account and will only be accepted during off-peak hours. The peak hours when the discount will be invalid are from 6-9am and 4-7pm Monday thru Friday. The Senior Discount will be 50% of the normal toll and is limited to one crossing a day. THE DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY REMAINS THE ONLY TOLL AGENCY IN THE COUNTRY WITH A SENIOR DISCOUNT.

4.The current commercial discount will be eliminated.

5.CREATION OF A NEW GREEN PASS DISCOUNT. This new $1.00 discount will be offered to E-ZPass customers driving low emission vehicles that get at least 45 miles to the gallon. The vehicles must meet the California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle or pre-model year 2005 hybrid vehicle certified to the California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Standard. This discount is scheduled to sunset after two years.

PATCO FARES

1. A 10% increase September 2008, another 10% increase September 2010 with cost of living increases every two years after that.

2. The federally mandated reduced fare program for seniors and disabled which is now 57 cents would increase to 62 cents September 2008 and then 70 cents September 2010.

3. PATCO fares vary depending on the length of the trip however looking at the person who travels from Lindenwold, Ashland or Woodcrest, to Center City Philadelphia the cost of a one-way ticket would increase 25 cents from $2.45 to $2.70 September 2008. In September 2010, the cost would increase 30 cents from $2.70 to $3.00.

If you're intersted to learn more, there will be two public hearings. These will be held on July 22nd at Rutgers-Camden and July 23rd at the Cruise Terminal in South Philadelphia. Both hearings will be from 6pm to 8pm.