NJ Transit Proposes Fare Hikes, Service Cuts

After proposing service cuts and increased rates due to a $300 million budget gap, NJ Transit officials faced public comment at Passaic County Community College last week.

At one of four simultaneous hearings throughout the state, New Jersey residents criticized a proposed 25 percent fare hike for all systems, elimination of three NJ Transit and 14 contract carrier bus routes, and discontinuation of off-peak round trip rail discounts, among other adjustments.

Transit official Jim Gilligan justified the cuts saying, "These are difficult, painful cuts, but there's a $300 million deficit, and we can't rely on one-time federal funding."

Stimulus funding, which totaled $159 million, has dried up. Additionally, Gilligan said a 4 percent ridership drop caused revenue loss.

Internally, NJ Transit has achieved $30 million in savings by laying off 200 workers, continuing its salary/hiring freeze, and cutting executive salaries and 401k contributions. Gilligan defended the one-zone local bus raise from $1.35 to $1.70, saying it's still cheaper than New York and Philadelphia's rates. Weeknights, trains will run every 30 minutes, as opposed to every 20.

Speaking for bus riders, Lenore Maine said the fee hike was outrageous. "There are people that ride who won't be able to afford the $1.70. They can barely afford the $1.35 now."

After public hearings today in Paterson, Newark, Trenton and Manalapan, NJ Transit will hold hearings March 26 and 27 in eight more locations. People may also submit comments online until March 29 at 5 p.m. at its Web site.

Final budget numbers should be finalized at an April 14 NJ Transit meeting.