NJ Transit commuters can expect to pay more money for their tickets starting this summer.

NJ Transit officials approved a 15% fare increase on Wednesday. The increase takes effect July 1 and will impact train and bus commuters. Every year after could see a 3% increase.

The public was able to give last-minute pleas before the vote, either in person or over the phone. About two dozen people shared their oppositions today in front of NJ Transit officials. The "yes" vote was decided within two hours.

Officials said the alternative to the yes vote would have been a cut in service. They say they do recognize that there needs to be more funding approved by Gov. Phil Murphy and Legislature.

The hike comes as NJ Transit is facing a $120 million budget shortfall for the year. For 2025, it is nearly a $1 billion shortfall.

New Jersey state Senate Republican Leader Sen. Anthony Bucco criticized the Murphy administration for the situation.

Bucco wrote in a statement, "The Murphy administration's approval of a 15% public transit rate fare hike is an affront to every New Jerseyan struggling to make ends meet. While Gov. Murphy preaches affordability, unfortunately his actions don’t match his words. From escalating gas taxes and increasing highway tolls, to raising taxes on employers and cutting funding to certain school districts, Gov. Murphy and Trenton Democrats have relentlessly betrayed their promise to make New Jersey more affordable – and if that wasn’t bad enough, now they’re price gouging public transit riders. If we truly want New Jersey to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family, Republicans need to be given a seat at the table to properly address our affordability crisis."