Smug Alert - Bridge Toll Hike Threatens Modest NJ Cyclists

Yesterday's Delaware River Port Authority toll hike proposal may be the final straw for NJ bicycle bridge commuters who have been secretly elated by the increased cost of driving into Philadelphia.

Consider the following -

• Gas Prices
• Toll Free - good thing too as DRPA closes the Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway at the sign of the first snow flurry.
• NJ Transit Fares - Transit is much cheaper to NJ if you leave from Camden. Ex: One way fare to Wildwood from Philadelphia $14, one way from Camden $8.15. To Trenton via the RiverLINE $1.35, via SEPTA R7 $8
• Parking Tax - The city approved a small increase in the parking tax that will increase the budget for street maintenance and help revitalize Fairmount Park.
• Wage taxes - Most NJ residents that work in Philadelphia don't pay NJ or PA state income taxes. The Philadelphia Commuter Tax is credited toward the smaller NJ State tax. For many the tax savings are sucked up by bridge tolls and gas consumption.

Recently the DRPA began keeping the walkway open one hour later to 8PM for the summer. The Bicycle Coalition will continue to work with the Port Authority efforts with improve bike/ped access to the bridge.