Three northern New Jersey mayors have added their voices to protest planned fare increases by New Jersey Transit.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Paterson Mayor Jose Torres joined transit union workers and others in a protest Thursday in Jersey City.

New Jersey Transit announced last month it was considering hikes averaging about 9 percent on its rail lines. It also is considering some service reductions. Bus lines also would see fare increases and service reductions.

The last NJ Transit fare increases came in 2010.

Fulop said rail and bus increases disproportionately affect working class families and urban areas.

NJ Transit is holding a series of public hearings on the proposed increases beginning this Saturday and lasting through next Thursday around the state.