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Released: 12/10/2025 

DRPA Reduces Operating Budget by More than 10%; No Toll Increase Again in 2026

The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Board of Commissioners today approved the Authority’s 2026 operating budgets, highlighted by a reduction of nearly 10.5% in operating expenses, reaffirming DRPA’s commitment to responsible financial management, customer value, and long-term investment in essential transportation infrastructure without raising tolls.

The Board approved a combined 2026 operating budget of $291.0 million, covering DRPA, PATCO, and Bond Indenture/Compact expenses such as debt service and biennial inspections. The Authority’s $189.1 million capital budget was approved at the November Board meeting and continues to fund critical improvements across DRPA’s four bridges and the PATCO transit line.

Each year, more than 99.1 million vehicles cross the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross Bridges. PATCO continues to serve thousands of riders daily, providing a vital connection between South Jersey and Philadelphia. The 2026 budgets maintain the investments needed to keep these assets safe, reliable, and secure.

DRPA CEO John T. Hanson noted that the nearly 10.5% decrease in the operating budget is driven largely by a substantial reduction in debt service. “This reduction reflects the results of many years of disciplined financial management,” Hanson said. “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 that strengthens our financial position and allows us to meet safety and serviceability needs. We continue to be careful stewards of the public’s dollars, and we have achieved during a period of time that saw no toll increase for more than 13 years.”

Hanson added that the DRPA has never postponed or declined a project necessary for safety or serviceability. “We always find a responsible way to fund essential work,” he said. He concluded his remarks by thanking the Board for its leadership, engagement, and active management, noting that their oversight and collaboration play a vital role in the Authority’s continued financial success.

Chief Financial Officer Jatinder S. Sahi said the reduction marks a milestone in DRPA’s long-term financial strategy. “A double-digit operating budget decrease while continuing to maintain a very high level of operations and infrastructure investment is a significant achievement for any public agency,” Sahi said. “This reflects a two decade effort to reduce debt, control expenses, and strengthen our financial footing. It positions the Authority to continue investing in critical infrastructure while maintaining strong fiscal responsibility.”

Hanson also highlighted the productive partnership between staff and the Board’s Finance Committee, noting that careful oversight, thoughtful questions, and continued collaboration by the DRPA Board of Commissioners have been central to the Authority’s financial strength. He thanked the Board for its leadership on behalf of the executive team and staff, emphasizing that the Board’s active engagement plays a vital role in DRPA’s ability to serve the public effectively.

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