NJ Transit fares to rise 3% on July 1
Officials have said these increases ensure that service is not cut.
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New Jersey Transit tickets are going up again. The annual, automatic 3% fare increase takes effect Wednesday. These fare hikes were first approved two years ago.
“They cut services, they’re delayed, canceling often," said rider Wayne, of Middletown. "Price gouging on the World Cup. It just seems natural they’d want to increase prices. Just seems to be the way NJ Transit operates.”
Officials have said these increases ensure that service is not cut. Ticket sales are the largest piece of the NJ Transit revenue pie. Ridership has increased each year since the pandemic, but is still 84% of what it was before.
“My commitment and the governor’s commitment is to make sure that we have a steady progress toward the kind of reliability that the customers have asked for," said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri. "In order to do that, you have to have a predictable funding source.”
This applies to train and bus tickets. Middletown to New York City is a popular rail commute; three years ago, a round trip ticket cost just over $30. As of July 1, it will cost $37. The cost has increased 21% the last three summers.
“I don’t know if it would be worth it to bring a family in," said Robyn Hart, of Point Pleasant Beach. "That’s two adults, you’re talking $72 to get in and out of the city.”
It is unclear when these yearly fare hikes will end. Budget notes state “future annual fare increases of 3% are anticipated.” The agency received more funding in Governor Sherrill’s first proposed budget, and is moving forward with a plan to develop land it owns into revenue sources, such as housing.
