Camden, New Jersey’s Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) 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 DRPA’s board approved a combined 2026 operating budget of $291 million, covering DRPA, PATCO, and Bond Indenture/Compact expenses, such as debt service and biennial inspections. 

The authority’s $189.1 million capital budget continues to fund critical improvements across DRPA’s four bridges and the PATCO transit line.

Providing Important City-to-City Service

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 a substantial reduction in debt service primarily drives the nearly 10.5% decrease in the operating budget. 

“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,” he said. “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.

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 have been central to the DRPA’s financial strength.