You'll Have To Sign Up For DRPA Bridge Toll Discounts

CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) -- The Delaware River Port Authority is coming through on a promise to give drivers who use their four bridges a lot a break on tolls.

They're not for everybody.

It was a given that drivers had to have EZ Pass to get the monthly credit after 18 tolled crossings. But DRPA CEO John Hanson offers up a new catch. "There is a requirement for enrollment," Hanson told KYW Newsradio."That's how the computer program will know that you're in the program and be able to pick you up and give you your $18 credit."

Sign up begins December 1.

Another thing, your EZ Pass account has to be handled in New Jersey, where the DRPA's EZ Pass processors are located. But what if you got your transponder in Pennsylvania?

Hanson says, "It is our plan to work with the Pennsylvania Turnpike to get the programming done so that we can extend the discount to Pennsylvania Turnpike users as well."

The discount program is likely to cost the agency about $7 million a year.

As for those who use the bridges less frequently or pay the five dollar roundtrip toll in cash, Hanson offers up a bit of good news as well.

"Barring some sort of catastrophe or major change that we've not foreseen, there should not be a need for a toll increase until 2020," he said.