DRJTBC Revenue and Competitors

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission was established in 1934 by legislation enacted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey and operates under a compact that was approved by the United States Congress in August 1935. The compact empowers the Commission to acquire, construct, administer, operate and maintain such bridges as the Commission deems necessary to advance the interests of the two States. The Commission currently operates seven toll bridges and thirteen non-toll bridges crossing the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The territorial jurisdiction of the Commission extends from the Philadelphia-Bucks County line to the New York state border - a distance of 139 miles. The only exceptions to this jurisdiction are the bridges owned by the Burlington County Bridge Commission, the bridge linking the states' turnpikes, and the Dingman's Ferry Bridge. In addition to the twenty bridges crossing the Delaware, the Commission also owns and operates an additional 32 approach structures (smaller overpass/underpass type bridges) throughout its jurisdiction. A major change to the bi-state compact came in 1984 when the two states charged the Commission with assuming full financial responsibility for the non-toll bridges within its jurisdiction. Prior to that time, the costs of operating and maintaining the non-toll bridges were financed by appropriations from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey through state levied taxes. Since toll revenues currently provide the sole source of support, the Commission now refers to these bridges as toll supported bridges. A board of ten commissioners - five from each state - governs the Commission. The New Jersey members are nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate for a three-year term; the Pennsylvania members are appointed by the governor and serve at his pleasure. The commissioners meet monthly to review reports, provide oversight and set policies carried out by the Executive Director and professional staff. Standing committees on Finance, Human Resources, Projects & Property, and Professional Services include membership from both states as assigned by the Commission Chairman. The Commissioners serve without compensation.