Think public transportation could be better run in New Jersey? So do both candidates for governor.

Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli have different ideas on the best way forward. They explained on News 12’s recent “Ask the Candidate” series.

Ciattarelli wants to combine all the state transit authorities under one roof to improve accountability and transparency.

“The state government is the dedicated revenue source,” Ciattarelli said. “We'll put in there the money that's necessary to make sure all these systems work well, and that includes NJ Transit.”

The Republican candidate said some NJ Transit lines might not be worth the cost of running.

“We need to reevaluate every single train and bus line to make sure there's adequate ridership to justify its existence,” Ciattarelli said.

Both candidates say they want to end the yearly rate hikes that have become regular for NJ Transit and the Port Authority.

“That’s something the legislature should decide upon as necessary,” Ciattarelli said.

“I would like to move away from this, sort of, ‘keep raising fares,’” Sherrill said. “Instead, have a dedicated source of funding.”

Sherrill, suggested that the revenue could come from developing NJ Transit-owned land.

“It's utilizing the land that NJ Transit owns to do things like put in parking lots to get money into the system from the parking lots,” Sherrill said.

The future of the Gateway Project has become a central issue. The project would double the train tunnels between New Jersey and New York City.

President Donald Trump had said he “terminated” its funding. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy more recently said the project is under review. It’s a project both candidates for governor are determined to see through.

“I really would like to see him unfreeze those funds, because this is the biggest project of national significance we've seen,” Sherrill said. “It could be responsible for almost 100,000 jobs. It impacts the commute into the city.”

“Hell or high water, we're going to find a way to fund this project,” said Ciattarelli.