The automatic fare hike, which was approved two years ago, applies across the NJ Transit system, including rail service, buses and light rail.
The increase comes as many riders continue to express frustration over repeated service disruptions. On Tuesday, some commuters experienced lengthy delays at Penn Station after signal and overhead wire issues disrupted train service, with some passengers reporting they waited for hours.
Despite the delays, NJ Transit said World Cup transportation service was not affected.
The fare increase also comes as the transit agency faces concerns over a budget deficit. Officials had projected approximately 40,000 passengers per match for World Cup-related service, but ridership has averaged between 20,000 and 26,000 passengers.
Passengers caught in Monday's delays said the service issues made the fare increase even more frustrating.
"You can see I've been sweating since I got here. It's 80-something degrees in here and it's just been a miserable experience," one commuter said.
Another rider expressed concern about the impact of the delays on their family and work schedule.
"How would you feel if you wanted to get home to your family? So now if I don't catch that train, I'm going to get home at 11 o'clock at night to be back at work at 7 in the morning," the commuter said.
As of Tuesday morning, service appeared to be operating on schedule, with no major delays reported. However, riders will now see the 3% fare increase reflected on all NJ Transit rail, bus and light rail trips.
ALSO READ: NJ Transit delays frustrate riders amid sweltering conditions as fare hike looms
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