New Jersey Transit passengers are facing higher costs as a result of a recent fare increase of 15%, which came into effect on Monday. Additionally, fares are set to rise by another 3% next July 1. This is the first hike in nine years for NJ Transit commuters, aimed at addressing a significant budget shortfall and preventing service reductions.
Alongside the 15% fare increase, cuts to commuter incentives and programs have been implemented. On Friday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a $56.6 billion spending plan and a 2.5% tax hike on the state’s largest corporations to fund public transportation.
These fare adjustments come amid ongoing operational challenges, including severe delays attributed to Amtrak malfunctions along the northeast corridor. Recent weeks have seen numerous train cancellations and delays, leaving many commuters stranded and resorting to alternatives like Lyft or Uber.
Meanwhile, the future of congestion pricing in New York City remains uncertain after Governor Kathy Hochul postponed its implementation, originally scheduled to start on a recent Sunday.
