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DRPA New Jersey Commissioners Respond to Governor Christie’s Veto

As DRPA Commissioners representing the State of New Jersey we take our responsibility very seriously. During the DRPA Board Meeting on September 15, 2010, there was a passionate and engaged discussion about allowing DRPA employees to commute to and from work without paying tolls. Like our Pennsylvania colleagues we were moved by the statements of DRPA staff members about the impact of this change on DRPA employees. In retrospect we recognize that we did not sufficiently consider the comments of Governor Christie and Vice Chairman Nash. In particular we did not sufficiently consider the interests of our toll payers and PATCO riders.

Our customers, whether from New Jersey or Pennsylvania, depend on the DRPA and PATCO to deliver quality transportation services at a fair price without incurring the commuting costs for DRPA employees. If we had it to do again we would not vote to reinstate.  Although Denise Mason did not vote on this action, she also supports the proposed reforms of the Governor.  In addition we are prepared to move the remaining reforms proposed by the Governor and in the future be ever cognizant of putting the interests of our customers first. 

**Commissioner Charles Fentress will abstain with any and all retiree matters.

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency.  DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges, PATCO and the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal.  The DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry.

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