More anger aimed at DRPA hikes

The Delaware River Port Authority wrapped up its two days of public hearings yesterday into its proposals for increases in bridge tolls and PATCO fares.

Last night, the scene was the Philadelphia Navy Yard in South Philadelphia, but audience members (commuters) were just as rankled as their New Jersey counterparts had been a night earlier across the Delaware River, at Rutgers University, in Camden.

Some 125 bridge and PATCO users let it be known that they are irate at the DRPA's plans to raise tolls for senior citizens. They continued to express displeasure at the agency's economic development program, which over the years has channeled more than $350 million into concert halls, museums and stadiums.

One of the critics was Cathy Rossi, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

"You say this is not a done deal," she told the hearing board led by John Matheussen, DRPA chief executive. "Thus we expect the agency to not only give consideration to the public will but to act upon it and adjust its proposals."

The DRPA, she said has burned many bridges not easily repaired.

"This agency is mired in debt and public distrust. Bridge tolls continue to significantly subsidize transit operations and the agency should close the gap," Rossi added.

She asked the DRPA to take $35 million in unspent economic-development money and use it "to mitigate toll increases or pay down debt."

She said that the DRPA should give motorists and riders tangible, visible benefits within a reasonable amount of time of any toll increase.

"Users should receive immediate returns on their investment," she said. "We support a one-time toll hike and lets see what the agency does." *