The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) has announced that it will not increase toll rates for the year 2026. This decision comes after a significant toll hike in September 2024, when rates rose by 20% for the first time since 2011. The authority operates several key transport links, including the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross bridges, as well as the PATCO rail line connecting New Jersey and Philadelphia.
On December 10, 2025, the DRPA’s Board of Commissioners approved an operating budget of $291 million for 2026, reflecting a $33.8 million or 10.5% decrease from the $324.8 million budget for 2025. This makes the DRPA one of the few authorities not implementing a toll increase for the upcoming year. In contrast, other regional agencies, including the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, have approved toll hikes for 2026. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is set to vote on a toll increase on December 18, 2025.
Several financial factors influenced the DRPA’s decision to maintain current toll rates. According to agency documents, higher toll revenues in 2025, alongside spending reductions and a successful debt refinancing strategy, contributed to the authority’s financial stability. John Hanson, CEO of the DRPA, stated, “This 10.5% budget reduction reflects the results of many years of disciplined financial management.”
The latest financial report from the DRPA indicates a revenue increase of $46.85 million for the year, surpassing the authority’s initial projection of $283.2 million for toll revenues by September. Additionally, ridership on the PATCO rail line increased by 4.9% over the previous year, which further bolstered the agency’s financial position. The authority reported spending $47 million less than budgeted in 2025, alongside a notable reduction in operating costs.
As part of its financial management strategy, the DRPA’s Chief Financial Officer reported that the agency has spent $89.2 million less than initially budgeted for operating expenses. Payroll, overtime, and benefits account for a significant portion—$95.24 million—of the operating budget. Additionally, the agency has kept 122 positions unfilled, contributing to the overall savings.
The DRPA also achieved a significant milestone by paying off $243.9 million in bonds issued in 2013 through a refinancing effort. This initiative resulted in a $24.9 million reduction in the total outstanding debt balance and is expected to yield savings of $39.6 million in debt payments between 2025 and 2039.
Hanson expressed confidence in the authority’s fiscal approach, stating, “We have steadily reduced debt, maintained year-over-year expense growth below inflation, and fully implemented a pay-as-you-go model for capital investment.” In November, the DRPA approved a $189.1 million capital budget to fund major projects on the bridges and the PATCO rail line.
Additionally, the authority is pursuing federal funding, having applied for two grants from the Federal Transit Administration totaling $21.94 million to support 13 improvement projects for the PATCO service. The DRPA’s strategic financial planning and successful operations have positioned it uniquely among regional authorities, allowing it to forgo toll increases while continuing to enhance its infrastructure and services.
