The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) has announced that it will not raise tolls in 2026, marking a rare decision among major transportation authorities. This comes after a significant toll increase of 20% in September 2024, the first adjustment since 2011. The DRPA’s Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 operating budget, which totals $291 million, on December 10, 2025. This budget reflects a decrease of $33.8 million, or 10.5%, from the previous year’s budget of $324.8 million.
The authority oversees critical transportation links between New Jersey and Philadelphia, including the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross bridges, as well as the PATCO rail line. While the DRPA has opted to keep tolls steady, other regional authorities, such as the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, have announced toll increases for 2026. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is expected to vote on its toll adjustments on December 18, 2025.
Several financial factors contributed to the decision to maintain toll rates. Notably, toll revenues increased by $46.85 million compared to the same period in 2024, exceeding the authority’s expectations for the year. The DRPA’s financial report indicates that the authority collected more than the projected $283.2 million in toll revenue by September 2025.
In addition to rising revenues, the DRPA managed to keep spending below budgeted amounts, with a reported $47 million reduction in expenditures for 2025. The authority’s Chief Financial Officer noted that operational costs were also $89.2 million lower than planned. The agency has kept its payroll, overtime, and benefits costs at $95.24 million, which is a significant component of its operating budget.
The authority’s efforts to manage debt are also noteworthy. The DRPA successfully refinanced $243.9 million in bonds originally issued in 2013. This refinancing has resulted in a $24.9 million reduction in the total outstanding debt balance, leading to projected savings of $39.6 million in debt payments from 2025 to 2039.
According to John Hanson, CEO of the DRPA, “This 10.5% budget reduction reflects the results of many years of disciplined financial management.” The authority’s commitment to financial prudence has allowed it to sustain current toll rates while pursuing essential infrastructure improvements.
In November, the DRPA approved a capital budget of $189.1 million to fund major projects across its bridges and the PATCO rail line. Furthermore, the authority has applied for two grants from the Federal Transit Administration totaling $21.94 million to support 13 improvement projects for the PATCO service.
The decision to maintain toll rates will likely be welcomed by commuters and residents who rely on these vital transportation links. As the DRPA continues to navigate its financial landscape, its strategic focus on revenue growth and cost management will be key to ensuring the sustainability of its operations in the coming years.
