The DRPA needs to be abolished yesterday. Let the respective state DOT’s take over. We’ve had enough of patronage heavens that cost us the taxpayers. Have some real guts and leadership governors of NJ/PA and get rid of this agency once and for all.

Hey Adam,

This may come as a total shock to you, but I pretty much agree with everything you’ve said here! : )

We have our own problems over here in SW PA with the Port Authority Transit of Allegheny County which servies Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. The same problems you’ve cited in regard to DRPA – abuse of public resources, inappropriate pay and perks that were beyond excessive – have been an issue here as well.

But none of that erases the fact that, for a number of people, public transportation is their only means of transport. And beyond that, it’s just a good social/environmental/community choice!

But, due in part to mismanagement here at PAT, and in part to lack of funding from Harrisburg, we are looking at potentially losing nearly half of the PAT transit routes by the first of the year, which will leave some neighborhoods and communities with absolutely no service at all. And many of those communities are working class areas where people cannot afford a car, or a taxi ride, and the buses are the only way for them to go to the grocery store, get to a doctor’s office, or just get off of their street.

Public transportation may not be a real sexy issue, but it is a real issue, for many real people, and it definitely needs to get more attention, and not just for the abuses of those who’ve been put in charge.

The Bonds that are in place are going to keep the DRPA as is for the future.
The PA Democrats have been largely on the outside looking in and the lion’s share of patronage has been slurped up by the NJ and PA Republicans.
The bigger problem is that all of these authorities like the DRPA, PHA, RDA, PIDC PPA become autonomous patronage mills beholden not to partisan politics but the self perpetuating interests of the insiders. The abuse and waste of tax dollars if it ever came to light would make your hair curl

Anthracite Alumn, it is hard to agree with that assertion. Being that the DRPA has been run by Rendell and Corzine, if it was a Republican haven, it would have to be with the complete consent of the PA and NJ Democrats.

Also, being that Philadelphia got a lot of the “economic development” raiding from the DRPA, it is hard to believe that benefits the PA Republicans.

In Pennsylvania is a perfect example of the white greed and the Buddy System that has destroyed America’s economy and kept employment high for many Americans . Especially black Americans! The DRPA operates the four bridges connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the Philadelphia area, including the heavily traveled Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman. It also runs the PATCO commuter rail line. Citizen are paying $4 at the tolls and the corrupt DRPA wants to raise it a dollar! Corruption in the DRPA is a understatement the top person at the DRPA makes more then the Pennsylvania Governor! White greed and the Buddy System has allowed family member to get free easy passes and drive tax own cars. Family member of the DRPA are given jobs over more quantify applicants and this has been the practice from day one! The very shame of it all is 75% of the tolls goes to the toll takers and the administration! This is true of all toll taking scams in America! DRPA vice chairman Jeff Nash after getting caught not doing his job said he did not realize until recently that the 100-toll or train ride per year perk was available to all the agency’s workers and retirees. It’s a perk that should not exist,” he said. Nash said the benefit has existed for years, but has become more objectionable in a time when the toll is up to $4 for cars heading from New Jersey to Philadelphia.Nash and chairman John Estey say they plan to make proposals to eliminate the free rides for managers.Nash said it would have to be worked out with unions representing other workers.Nash said some of the policy changes can be made by the DRPA’s top executive while others will need approval from its board, possibly at a special meeting! This is a joke white greed and “The White Buddy System” will find a way around giving up their perks! Governor Edward G. Rendell is a piss poor Governor that has allowed this type of behavior! Mayor Nutter is another politician that is piss poor and allows the same behavior! The taxpayer are told TOO-BAD-SO-SAD we got the power you the taxpayer you get the bill. It is how white America (SO-CALL FOUNDING FATHERS) establish this country. The white welfare system started with enslavement of black people and the free labor and white government approval of discrimination! Today NOTHING has change the DRPA is not alone! Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey talked about reducing taxes then increase the Governor’s adminstration of people making $90,000 to $130,000 from 17…to..37. Started the same BS as the DRPA!They are the very example of the evil of America’s pass! Every American institution is infected by the white buddy system and racial discrimination! The thing white people should know is we all paid because the rich white and powerful get richer and more powerful not all white benefit! That why the mostly white Republican Party destroyed the economy and has nothing but criticism for President Obama. The Republican Party wants to make white American believe the big bad first black President is going to stop the first hire last fire from getting special treatment. When in fact more white lost under Republican rule then any other Americans!