NJ Transit held the last of 11 hearings in Hackensack and Toms River Thursday for commuters to voice their concerns about a pending fare hike. NJ Transit authorities say they need to raise rail and bus prices by 10 percent. Since February 28, NJ Transit has held public hearings and informational meetings around the state to give people a chance to comment on the proposed fare increases. Transit authorities maintain the increases are necessary to help the agency make up for the $60 million budget shortfall. Some commuters can't understand why they have to make up the difference. They say the trains are old and the service is bad, and a rate hike is going towards a deficit, not an improvement. Others commuters offered more understanding, saying inflation is to be expected and even with a hike, riding the Transit trains saves more money than driving. A final proposal goes to the board in April. If approved, the rate increase would take effect June 1.

Related Information