It’s official. The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors recently approved a revised fare and service plan that should reduce impact on riders. The plan, which will take effect on May 1, calls for a 10 percent increase for local bus and light rail riders – who make up 52 percent of New Jersey Transit customers.
The plan, designed to help close New Jersey Transit’s potential $300 million budget gap this year, preserves bus routes in eight counties, as well as Access Link paratransit services, according to an organization media release (www.njtransit.com).
The question, however, remains: Will the New Jersey Transit hike affect homes in NJ? Many New Jersey families are currently stretched to the financial limit as property taxes – among the highest in the nation – and other expenses continue to shrink every dollar.
For those commuting from homes in NJ, the fare hike is certainly an unwelcome reality.
According to the New Jersey Transit release, one-way commuter rail tickets will rise 25 percent, though monthly discounts will be maintained. Off-peak rail roundtrip discounts – currently used by 17 percent of rail customers – will not be sold after April 30 and not accepted after May 23. Most customers using weekly and monthly rail passes will be able to make connections between trains and buses for free (www.njtransit.com).
The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors also approved continued service on several local bus routes in Middlesex, Morris, Monmouth, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties that had been proposed for elimination.
While New Jersey Transit attempted to soften the blow sustained by commuters and frequent mass transit riders, the impact will clearly be felt. As homes in NJ attempt to deal with rising taxes and expenses imposed by various aspects of the Garden State, the challenge becomes even more significant.
