State Rep. Calls For Moratorium On Toll Hikes

State Rep. Joe Emrick, R-137th, is calling for a one-year moratorium in response to the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission's toll rate hike on area bridges.

In May, the commission voted to increase rates for cars from 75 cents to $1. EZ Pass users will receive a 40 percent discount but will pay 60 cents per use. The new rates are set to take effect at 11:01pm on June 30.

“Make no mistake, these toll increases will not be limited to only those who are using the toll bridges," said Emrick in a release. "Everyone will feel the pinch from this increase. Since truckers and trucking companies pay more for tolls, they will pass on those price increases to the stores that distribute the goods that are being hauled.  In order for the stores to make up the cost increases, they will be forced to increase the price on the goods and services that they provide consumers.  This will affect everything from milk to eggs, from fresh produce to clothing."

Rate increases on trucks are set on a per-axle basis and range from $6.50 for a two-axle truck to $28 for a seven-axle truck.

Emrick is asking for public input before a final decision is made. According to Emrick, four of the more than 20 bridges set to have rate hikes are in the 137th district.

“I was deeply disturbed to find that the Northampton and Monroe County bridges account for 84 percent of the total revenue of the Bridge Commission," said Emrick. "The idea of four toll bridges accounting for 84 percent of the revenue that is supposed to maintain the other 16 bridges is unacceptable."

The toll hike is intended to "offset lingering diminished truck revenue collections resulting from the 2008-2009 recession," according to a press release from the bridge commission. Postponing a toll hike could affect the agency's credit rating, borrowing costs and capital projects, say agency officials..

The commission's last across-the board toll increase for cars and trucks was authorized in 2001. The final piece of that toll plan went into effect for trucks in 2007.