DRPA: No Decision On 2011 Fare Hikes

The Delaware River Port Authority held a board meeting today to make a decision on whether to delay or reduce a controversial toll hike and PATCO fare increase for 2011.

The 10-percent fare increase is set to take effect January for PATCO riders and a $1.00 toll hike on area bridges is tentatively scheduled for July.

Fox 29’s Dave Schratwieser attended the meeting today and reports that the DRPA’s finance committee has officially delayed voting on the 2011 budget so it could go back to the drawing board and try to head off or reduce these pending fare increases.

Board members agreed to scour the operating and capital budgets. Ultimately they would like to try and find a way to recoup some of the $45 million that has yet to be spent for some controversial economic development projects.

The commissioners seem to be focused on paring back those steep hikes until at least 2012, but the question is can they accomplish this with that budget deadline looming over their heads.

The board is set to reconvene next Wednesday.