Delaware Memorial Bridge users propose steeper hike to spare discount programs

Some New Jersey and Delaware residents at last night’s Delaware River and Bay Authority meeting had a nearly unheard of request of the DRBA: raise the tolls.

Those who use the DRBA’s discount programs to cross the bridge are asking for a bigger toll hike instead of the proposed $1 hike and the hikes to the discount programs.

Today’s Sunbeam reports the $1 hike would generate $25 million in new revenue, but many would rather see a $2 hike as an alternative to the rate increases for the Commuter and Frequent Traveler discounts.

By 2012, those discounts would go from 75 cents to $2 and $1 to $3, respectively.

The DRBA board will review the public comments and could take action at its May 17 meeting. Delaware Memorial Bridge base tolls were last increased 11 years ago from $2 to $3.