DRPA Explains Why Frequent User Discounts Aren't Offered On PATCO

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - Drivers who frequently cross the four Delaware River Port Authority bridges and have EZ Pass will soon be able to get a monthly discount on the tolls they pay.

Some commuters are now wondering why frequent riders on the PATCO high speed line can't get a similar break.

It comes down, as you might guess, to money. Half of PATCO's $52 million budget is funded by bridge tolls.

Agencies that rate DRPA bonds would take a dim view to changing that formula.

"We've been advised to maintain a subsidy of no more than 50% to make sure that we keep our bond rating intact," agency CEO John Hanson told KYW Newsradio. "If we were to reduce PATCO fares further, if we were to keep that subsidy around 50%, we would need to cut service."

Besides, the last two times bridge tolls were increased by 33 and 25 percent respectively, PATCO fares went up about 10% each time.

Still, there is a petition campaign being conducted on Twitter aimed at trying to get the Authority to reconsider.