Homes in New Jersey will likely be impacted by NJ Transit’s proposed fare increases, but according to a recent article published by the Asbury Park Press, the plan might still be adjusted.
In its initial announcement NJ Transit cited a $300 million budget deficit for the coming fiscal year as reason to “increase fares by 25 percent system-wide and trim service proportionate to recent ridership declines,” (www.njtransit.com).
The subsequent Asbury Park Press article suggested that the increase may be adjusted, but NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein said riders shouldn’t expect “huge changes. Weinstein made his comment … following a series of public hearings on the plan. Most speakers blasted the proposed changes, saying poor and middle-class residents who depend on mass transit can’t afford such a steep hike,” (www.app.com).
Taking into account the property tax increases many homes in New Jersey have sustained recently, the proposed NJ Transit hike would only raise the Garden State’s relatively high cost of living.
A majority of residents would likely indicate that one of the most significant benefits to living in New Jersey is access to Manhattan and Philadelphia via mass transit. While the rate increase has not yet been implemented, it is difficult to know how it might impact those leaving homes in New Jersey each morning.
Hundreds of thousands commute from homes in New Jersey to cities along NJ Transit lines. Per the Asbury Park Press, NJ Transit’s proposed changes are “part of efforts to offset the budget shortfall, caused in part by an 11 percent cut in state subsidy and the loss of $159 million in one-time federal funding,” (www.app.com).
The rate increases are scheduled to take effect on May 1. As far as service is concerned, NJ Transit’s plan will eliminate 32 of 725 commuter trains. According to the agency, the reduction is proportionate to a recent decline in ridership. NJ Transit is currently the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines (www.njtransit.com).
Only time will tell how the proposed rate hike might impact both NJ Transit operations and the average New Jersey commuter. One thing, however, is certain. Those who rely on mass transit to take them to work from their homes in New Jersey will have to dig a little deeper in the near future.
