Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks) is urging residents concerned about the inequity of tolling by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) to attend the group’s Oct. 28 meeting and express their concerns over the commission allowing discounts for New Jersey E-ZPass system users and not those using Pennsylvania E-ZPass transponders.
The meeting is at 10:30 a.m. at the bridge commission Executive Offices Building, Directors’ Room, 2492 River Road, New Hope.
In response to a letter from Thomas, Joseph J. Resta, executive director of the DRJTBC, said he “cannot unilaterally change the toll structure without express approval by the DRJTBC’s Board of Commissioners,” and that could only happen when “opportunity for public comment at DRJTBC commission meetings occurs when the chairman announces any comments on New Business towards the end of the meeting.”
“It’s obvious this simple decision will require personal pressure,” Thomas said. “The petitions were not enough. They will need an overwhelming show of support for changing the system to bring fairness to those who use Pennsylvania systems. So, I urge everyone concerned to fill that meeting room and have your voices heard.”
In July, Thomas delivered petitions from her online campaign to demand the bridge commission give motorists who use the PA E-ZPass system the same discounts as those who use the NJ E-ZPass transponders.
Thomas gathered more than 1,100 names of residents who shared her outrage. She also presented a letter, co-signed by her colleague Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) and Bucks County Commissioner Robert G. Loughery.
Three months after Thomas delivered the petitions, Resta responded.
“It was clearly not the response we were hoping for,” Thomas said. “So, if you cannot attend the next commission meeting, write them. We cannot allow this to continue.”
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