Apr 2, 2024; Rutherford, N.J., United States; A NJ Transit sign is shown at the Rutherford Train Station. © Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Syndication: The Record
(Trenton, NJ) — New Jersey Transit board members will meet today, and likely give the thumbs up to an across the board 15 percent fare hike. Riders say that will definitely hurt. The fare hike would be the first in almost a decade and could begin as soon as this summer. New Jersey Transit leaders say they need to fill a 106 million dollar deficit. The transit agency says it has been struggling post pandemic with so many former commuters now working from home. Federal COVID dollars were covering some of the deficits, but that money has now run out.
Hundreds of riders spoke out against the fare hikes during hearings last month. It’s unclear if their comments will be taken into consideration during the board vote today. Protestors are expected to show up at NJ Transit headquarters in a bid to stop the fare hikes.