Background of Walt Whitman Bridge Toll
The Walt Whitman Bridge is an iconic bridge crossing the Delaware River, connecting Mariners Park in Gloucester, Camden County, New Jersey, to Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a part of the Philadelphia-Trenton metropolitan area’s busiest bridges, carrying over 90 million vehicles each year and is estimated to reach 108 million by 2022.
This structural marvel supports a great number of travelers every day and to help keep the bridge in good condition, a toll has been implemented since its inception in 1957. The bridge’s current total cost is only slightly under $4 for a solo driver using the bridge. As 2020 sets in, the bridge toll will continue to increase as part of a series of toll hikes set in place by the Delaware River Port Authority in 2018.
Cost of Walt Whitman Bridge Toll
The current cost of the Walt Whitman Bridge toll stands at $3.90. This means that solo drivers, meaning vehicles not towing trailers or other vehicles, pay only $3.90 for each pass. As for CashPay users, or those without an E-ZPass, the toll is slightly higher at $4.75 for solo drivers. Drivers who need to pay using a credit card will have to pay an extra $1 for every payment, raising their total cost for the bridge to $4.75.
Those using E-ZPass will have to pay only $2.45, as the E-ZPass rate for the Walt Whitman Bridge is discounted by a great deal. E-ZPass users are also given the added convenience of not having to stop the car to pay the toll; their payment is instead taken while they pass through the E-ZPass lane.
Future Toll Increase
The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) has announced a series of toll increases that will take place over the next two years. This means that the Walt Whitman Bridge toll will be increasing on July 1st, 2020, rising to $4.25 for non-E-ZPass users, and $2.75 for users who have an E-ZPass. The toll will then be raised again on July 1st 2021, this time to $4.90 for non-E-ZPass users and $3.40 for those with an E-ZPass.
Bridge Maintenance
The amount collected from the tolls used on the Walt Whitman Bridge are distributed to the Delaware River Port Authority, or DRPA, to use for the general maintenance of the bridge itself. This includes the repair of existing infrastructure, sign installation, and the cost of toll collection as well.
The bridge is responsible for keeping Philadelphia connected to the rest of the nation, and its maintenance is of utmost importance to the people in the local area. The DRPA’s toll program has managed to maintain the bridge in top condition, inspiring more visits each year thanks to its smooth driving experience.
Criticism of the Toll
Critics of the current Walt Whitman Bridge toll have argued that the DRPA’s toll program is an inefficient way of managing the bridge’s upkeep. Many argue that with the increasing cost of the tolls, people will be incentivised to use other bridges in the area, thus decreasing foot traffic and preventing local businesses in the area from gaining enough exposure.
This has led to several people to argue for alternative ways of maintaining the bridge, such as increasing the gas tax in the area or relying on the general budget of the DRPA. However, the DRPA has been firm in their decision to maintain the toll system, as the current system has raised millions in revenue for the upkeep and maintenance of the bridge since its introduction in 1957.
Environmental Impact
The Walt Whitman Bridge Toll has also been met with criticism for its potential environmental impact. Critics argue that the toll dissuades people from using the bridge, leading to an increase in air pollution from cars using other bridges. It has been estimated that the bridge can reduce air pollution by up to 50% when compared to other bridges in the area, making its environmental impact fairly substantial.
The DRPA has addressed this issue, stating that they believe that the current toll amount is already low enough to not disrupt traffic on the bridge while still generating enough revenue to keep the bridge in good condition. The DRPA has also discussed plans to invest in more efficient and eco-friendly cars, as well as the use of renewable energy sources to power the bridge’s operations.
Impact on Local Businesses
The Walt Whitman Bridge toll has also had an effect on the local economy, particularly on businesses located in the South Jersey region. As the toll amount increases, people are likely to avoid using the bridge and use other bridges in the area instead, leading to fewer visitors for businesses located in the area. This could decrease the number of people patronizing these businesses, leading to a decline in their profits.
The DRPA has been aware of this issue and has worked to address it. The DRPA has worked to diversify its sources of income, emphasizing the importance of local businesses and their contribution to the economy. They have also considered the possibility of offering discounted rates and loyalty programs to local businesses to increase their patronage.
Options for Drivers to Reduce the Cost of the Walt Whitman Bridge Toll
The Walt Whitman Bridge Toll may be steep for some people, particularly those who are frequent travelers of the bridge. To offset the cost of the toll, the DRPA and other bridge operators have put in motion several options to help reduce the cost for drivers.
The first option is an E-ZPass, an electronic payment system that supports tolls throughout the United States. An E-ZPass allows drivers to pay the discounted price of $2.45 and also allows them to avoid any traffic at the tolls as they can pass through quickly. Other options include Good To Go!, a digital payment system used to pay for tolls electronically, and CashPay, a service that allows users to pay online by credit card or debit card.
Impact on Local Communities
The Walt Whitman Bridge Toll has also had an impact on local communities living near the bridge. Many of these people are low-income households, with less discretionary income to pay the tolls. As the toll increases, some people may find it harder to cross the bridge to reach Philadelphia or other areas in the area, making it much harder for them to access basic needs and services.
The DRPA is aware of this situation and has taken steps to address it. They have implemented special programs, such as the PA and NJ Neighbor Relief Program, to provide a discount for drivers who have E-ZPass or CashPay accounts from one of the seven states in the area. The discount may be 50% or up to $4 for solo trips on the bridge.
Conclusion
While the Walt Whitman Bridge Toll may be steep for some drivers, the DRPA has managed to keep its maintenance and upkeep up to date, due to the money raised from the tolls. The DRPA has also taken steps to reduce the financial burden of the tolls on local businesses and households, making it easier to access Philadelphia and nearby areas. As the toll increases, the DRPA will continue to update these programs to make the Walt Whitman Bridge more accessible to all.
