Gov. Christie Vetoes DRPA Perks

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday vetoed actions by the Delaware River Port Authority that would have restored free bridge passage and train ride perks to employees of the bistate agency.
      
Christie said resolutions passed by the agency's board on Wednesday "run directly contrary'' to his demands for additional reform at the DRPA, which operates four Philadelphia-area toll bridges and the PATCO commuter rail line.

In August, the DRPA board took away the free rides that most employees had received. But on Wednesday, the board reversed itself, citing employee discontent and labor contract obligations.

Christie's veto nullified that action.

"Authority employees, commissioners, officers and retirees should not receive free bridge passage or PATCO rides simply by virtue of their employment at the authority, when these perks are not available to the toll-paying public,'' Christie wrote.
      
In addition, Christie sent letters demanding an end to E-Z Pass and free passage perks at five other New Jersey or bistate transportation agencies: the Delaware River Bay Authority, Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority.
      
The DRPA has been trying to repair its reputation for patronage and unnecessary spending, but Christie has criticized the agency for not acting quickly enough.