Around Burlington County

Philly Commute Costs To Increase This Fall 

Do you live in New Jersey and commute to work in Philadelphia?  Thinking of moving to New Jersey to commute to Philadelphia? 

Starting in September, this commute could cost a few extra dollars each month.  The DRPA just announced proposed fare increases today, which if approved, will be effective September 2008.  Here is a summary from the press release:

BRIDGE TOLLS

1. A $1.00 increase September 2008, another $1.00 increase September 2010 and cost of living increases every two years after that. There will be proportional increases for all other toll classes.

2. A phase out of the commuter discount. The credit for 18 crossings a month on the same transponder will be reduced to $12 September 2008, reduced to $6.00 in September 2009 and the discount would end September 2010.

3. The Senior Citizen discount would remain with a few changes. The Senior discount will now be directly linked to an E-ZPass account and will only be accepted during off-peak hours. The peak hours when the discount will be invalid are from 6-9am and 4-7pm Monday thru Friday. The Senior Discount will be 50% of the normal toll and is limited to one crossing a day. THE DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY REMAINS THE ONLY TOLL AGENCY IN THE COUNTRY WITH A SENIOR DISCOUNT.

4.The current commercial discount will be eliminated.

5.CREATION OF A NEW GREEN PASS DISCOUNT. This new $1.00 discount will be offered to E-ZPass customers driving low emission vehicles that get at least 45 miles to the gallon. The vehicles must meet the California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle or pre-model year 2005 hybrid vehicle certified to the California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Standard. This discount is scheduled to sunset after two years.

PATCO FARES

1. A 10% increase September 2008, another 10% increase September 2010 with cost of living increases every two years after that.

2. The federally mandated reduced fare program for seniors and disabled which is now 57 cents would increase to 62 cents September 2008 and then 70 cents September 2010.

3. PATCO fares vary depending on the length of the trip however looking at the person who travels from Lindenwold, Ashland or Woodcrest, to Center City Philadelphia the cost of a one-way ticket would increase 25 cents from $2.45 to $2.70 September 2008. In September 2010, the cost would increase 30 cents from $2.70 to $3.00.

If you're intersted to learn more, there will be two public hearings. These will be held on July 22nd at Rutgers-Camden and July 23rd at the Cruise Terminal in South Philadelphia. Both hearings will be from 6pm to 8pm.

For the second year in a row, I'm helping raise money to battle cancer.  I'll be riding in the 36th Annual American Cancer Society Philadelphia Bike-a-thon this Sunday July 13th 2008.  Almost everyone, including myself, knows a family member or friend who has been affected by cancer.  If you would like to support this event and my efforts, please Click here to visit my personal page and make on online donation.  

About the American Cancer Society

There's never been a more exciting time to get involved with the American Cancer Society. Today, the number of people dying from cancer is dropping, despite our growing population. Fewer people are being diagnosed with cancer and fewer people are dying from the disease. We know more about the causes of cancer and its treatment and cures than ever before. And we are helping to save lives every day.

The work of the American Cancer Society over many decades has helped us make amazing strides against this disease. The trailblazing cancer research funded by the Society has led to valuable developments such as the link between smoking and lung cancer, and Gleevec, which improves quality of life and stunts cancer growth with fewer side effects. With billions invested in cancer research, the Society has helped promising investigators make important discoveries.

The Bike-a-thon is more that just a fund raiser. It's a chance for caring people in a community to come together to support each other. And support is crucial for those who have been touched by cancer. At the American Cancer Society, the funds raised through Bike-a-thon not only go to research, advocacy, and education, but also for vital programs and services that give people hope and answers. 

About the Ride 

The first starting point is the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia and ends 65 miles later in Buena Vista NJ.  Some will ride the Century option which will extend the ride to just under 100 miles.  Although I wish I could ride this far, I can't!  I'll be starting from the second starting point in Cherry Hill, NJ which will bring the ride to 54 miles.   

Please consider making a donation to my efforts and that of the American Cancer Society.  No donation is to small! 

Click here to visit my personal page and make on online donation.

Ravi Shah, REALTOR^®
South Jersey Real Estate Blog
Prudential Fox & Roach
O: (856) 222-0077 x153
C: (609) 760-7852

As many around the county are winding down graduation and other end of school year celebrations - it's time to wind up for one more.  4th of July is days away and many will be celebrating Independance Day. 

How will you be celebrating this weekend? 

For most - the weekend will include time with family and friends and a backyard bbq.  Others will be heading down the shore. 

Here are a few yearly events that have gained popularity:

Riverton has a whole slate of events to celebrate this year which can be viewed at the Riverton website.  My family always attends the parade which will start at 10am and run along Main St.  If you are going, plan to get there early as space along the route fills up fast.  At 2:30pm you can head over to Elm Terrace for the downhill soapbox race.  At 4:30pm be sure to check out the Great Riverton Raft Race at the Riverton Yacht Club.

Medford will aslo be hosting their annual Independence Day Festivities at Freedom Park, 60 Union Street, on Thursday July 3rd.  This includes a moon bounce, food vendors and a concert beginning at 7:00pm featuring All About Me.  Fireworks will kickoff at appoximately 9:15pm.

Moorestown will be having their annual parade as well starting at 10am along Main St.  After the parade, head over to Memorial Field for a pie eating contest, baking contest, ice cream eating contest, games, and entertainment for all!

If you know of other events, pleae be sure to leave a comment with the details.

Ravi Shah, REALTOR^®
South Jersey Real Estate Blog
Prudential Fox & Roach
O: (856) 222-0077 x153
C: (609) 760-7852

Please note that dates are times are subject to change