The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) wants to correct an inaccuracy contained in yesterday’s press release from the Governor’s office entitled, “Governor Chris Christie Applauds Action to Remove E-Z Pass Perks at the Port Authority of NY/NJ.” Contained in the press release was the following quote attributed to Governor Christie: “…It’s time for the authorities that have not yet acted on my directive, the Delaware River and Bay Authority and the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to end these abusive practices as well…”
Since the inception of electronic tolls at the Delaware Memorial Bridge in July 2001, the DRBA has never permitted free E-ZPass usage on the Delaware Memorial Bridge for its employees or retirees. In 2008, free E-ZPass privileges for DRBA Commissioners to use the Delaware Memorial Bridge were also eliminated.
“It’s very difficult to eliminate a benefit that doesn’t exist,” remarked James N. Hogan, Chairman of the DRBA Commission. “In the future, I would respectfully request that the Governor direct his staff to do proper due-diligence to insure that such inaccuracies don’t occur again and that the DRBA be evaluated on its own merits.”
The DRBA is working with the Governor’s office to formally codify via Resolution the Authority’s current practice of not providing free E-ZPass privileges to employees, retirees, or Commissioners.
