15% NJ Transit fare hike, 1st in nearly a decade, takes effect
HOBOKEN, New Jersey (WABC) -- New Jersey Transit riders are now paying more to get around after a 15% rate hike took effect on Monday -- and it will rise again by another 3% next July 1.
For the first time in nine years, NJ Transit commuters are paying an increase on trains and buses after the fare hike went into effect at midnight.
New Jersey Transit says the money is needed to close a big budget gap to avoid reducing service.
In addition to that 15% fare increase, there are cuts to commuter incentives and programs.
As a way to help ease the fare increases, some of the state's largest businesses will be contributing money in the form of a 2.5% tax to help fund NJ Transit.
The increase comes as severe delays have been plaguing the system for weeks.
Significant Amtrak malfunctions along the northeast corridor have caused hours of delays for NJ Transit commuters over the past few weeks.
Just two weeks ago, breakdowns canceled or delayed 130 trains, leaving thousands stranded without access to rail transportation.
With faith that things somehow might get better, NJ Transit riders, on trains and buses, say they have no choice.
Most riders told Eyewitness News that this increase is not coming at the best time. Many are sick of spending $100 plus on Lyft or Uber to get home because the delayed trains ended up canceled.
"It's either you take the Uber or call out of work," said one commuter.
NJ Transit trains operate on Amtrak tracks and officials with Amtrak say they will be proactively inspecting the rails and making repairs when needed.
Meanwhile in New York City, Sunday would have been the first day of congestion pricing, but Governor Kathy Hochul postponed the plan.
The fate of congestion pricing remains uncertain.
ALSO READ | MTA stops construction on Second Avenue subway amid congestion pricing pause
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