Riders sound off on Day 2 of public hearings on NJ Transit's proposed 15% fare hike
PATERSON, N.J. -- NJ Transit is holding more rounds of public hearings on proposed fare hikes, which the agency is blaming on a $100-million-plus shortfall.
CBS New York attended the first session of the day Tuesday morning. Only a few people showed up, but some riders say the size of the hearings don't matter; they say they're steaming mad.
"It's already hard to cover the expense for bus fare, and now that they are increasing it, it's even worse," rider Elianny Polanco said.
"I am a college student. I don't have a job. I am already paying enough money for everything, and it's getting worrying for the economy in the state," rider Jeremy Wikow said.
NJ Transit officials say they have no choice, they're facing a $119 million budget shortfall.
If passed by the transit agency's board in April, commuters could see a 15% spike starting July 1, followed by 3% increases each year beginning in 2025.
For instance, a round-trip train ride from Hackensack to Manhattan, which currently costs $14.50, would jump up to $16.67.
Watch Elijah Westbrook's report
The recent news isn't resonating well with some riders who sounded off at a public hearing at Passaic County Community College.
"We need something in return for the fares we pay. If you go to a grocery store, costs go up, but you don't leave with an empty cart," Neil Ross said.
"I've been riding NJ Transit all my life and I'm still riding trains I remember from high school," John Caulfied said.
Transit leaders say they're left with no other choice but to raise the fares because the agency has been struggling with low ridership since the pandemic and that it has returned to only 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Officials say that has resulted in $2 billion in lost revenue.
"Try to think of making revenue and lowering rates best you can," Caulfied said.
NJ Transit officials say the price jump would be the first in nearly a decade. Gov. Phil Murphy is proposing a new 2.5% corporate transit tax on the state's most profitable companies. Murphy said although it wouldn't solve NJ Transit's total problem, it could help offset its debt.
"I understand the state needs to do it. I realize there's a funding hole coming, but I think it's too high. I think, especially for lower-income people, I think 15 percent is too high. I think they should be doing more like 5 percent," NJ Transit rider Paul Belci said.
Public hearings are scheduled to run through Friday in various locations across the state. They will not be virtual. Comments can be submitted both online and by mail if you're unable to attend in-person.
An NJ Transit spokesperson tells us all comments they're receiving in person or online are given equal weight by the board, which will make a final decision in April.
Public hearing schedule
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 5 at Bergen County Administration Building
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 at Trenton Transit Center
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 at Belmar Municipal Building
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Berkeley College Woodbridge Campus Student Center
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Kean University North Avenue Academic Building
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, March 8 at Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 8 at NJ TRANSIT Headquarters
