MARGATE, N.J. – Officials from Downbeach Express have announced that tolls will increase per crossing starting in early June.
Beginning on June 3rd, Express Pass customers will see an increase of 10 cents per crossing and cash customers will see an increase of 25 cents per crossing.
Express Pass patrons will pay $1.40 per crossing, and cash travelers will pay $2.00 per crossing.
The rate increase is the first such increase in three years, according to David Goddard, President of Ole Hansen and Sons, managing partner of the Margate Bridge Company, which owns and operates the Downbeach Express. The Express Pass fare of $1.40 per crossing represents a 30 percent discount as compared to the cash rate.
“The fare increase is made necessary by the high cost of maintaining the four bridges and the more than two miles of roadway that comprise the Downbeach Express,” said Goddard. “These bridges are nearly 90 years old and require continuous and intense upkeep and maintenance. We have spent and continue to spend millions of dollars in capital repair and maintenance costs to keep the bridges and roadway safe and well-conditioned. The only way to fund this work is through periodic toll adjustments.
“The Downbeach Express is an important access way for thousands of area residents and visitors,” added Goddard. “It is our responsibility to ensure their safety, and to ensure that the bridges and roadway remain operational. We take that responsibility very seriously, as evidenced by the on-going investment in the upkeep of the entire span, including the extensive repair and maintenance work done recently to the deck and roadway of Dock Thorofare Bridge in 2018 along with the ongoing reconstruction of piers supporting Risley and Whirlpool Channel Bridges since 2017.”
Downbeach Express patrons may continue to purchase or replenish Express Pass Cards on-line via credit card at www.downbeachexpress.com or on Fridays at the Jewish Community Center in Margate via cash or credit card. Patrons can also replenish cards at the Bridge toll plaza via cash or credit card.
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