How much is the bridge toll? Philly bridge tolls going up

Just as New Jersey commuters braced for the annual increase in NJ Transit fare, drivers crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge, Betsy Ross Bridge, Commodore Barry Bridge or the Walt Whitman Bridge to enter the Philadelphia area may soon have to dig a little deeper to pay for the tolls.

Here's what you need to know about the proposed toll increase.

How much is the toll increase on Philadelphia bridges?

According to published reports, the Delaware River Port Authority proposed a $1 toll hike across all four bridges.

The Delaware River Port Authority manages and operates the four brides that span the Delaware River.

The published report indicates the Delaware River Port Authority's finance committee moved forward on the toll hike recommendation during its meeting in early July.

The proposal now heads to the commission board for a vote on Wednesday, July 17.

When will tolls increase on Philadelphia bridges?

A separate published report confirmed the new toll increase could go into effect as early as August, should the board vote in favor of the increase.

If so, this would be the first toll increase in 13 years.

How much are the tolls to get into Philadelphia?

The current tolls for passenger cars, motorcycles and small trucks is $5, According to the Delaware River Port Authority's current toll schedule.

Drivers can save some money by using the E-ZPass system, even as E-ZPass faced claims of up-charging customers.

Still, the Delaware River Joint Commission notes E-ZPass customers pay $3.50 per crossing, resulting in a saving of $1.50.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: How much are Philly bridge tolls going up?