NJ Transit riders speak about fare increases

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) -- Bus stops and train platforms have become the unofficial places for public hearings about fare increases.

Riders of NJ Transit have heard about the plan to raise fares 15% on July 1 and then 3% each summer after that. 

The agency said the plan maintains current overall service levels and preserves discounts for seniors, people with disabilities, military personnel and students. 

Nedia traveled with some fellow riders, neighbors and members of Make the Road New Jersey to the second in-person hearing at Passaic County Community College in Paterson on Tuesday morning. 

"They still haven't made New Jersey affordable," said commuters gathered outside. 

Ten in-person public hearings are happening this week. Comments can be submitted by email or by calling NJ Transit customer service. 

Virtual hearings that are live-streamed with opportunities to speak are not a part of the process. 

Adam Reich has been calling for a virtual component and encouraging people to comment. 

"It's a notable departure from how NJ Transit typically does hearings. You're asking hard-working New Jerseyans who are struggling to make ends meet to travel at night or take time off," he said.

In regard to the public hearing process, a statement from NJ Transit said, "All of the feedback, regardless of whether it's in person or in writing, will be treated with equal weight and consideration by our Board before any final decisions are made."

Reich said the proposed increase is too high and additional increases should have public hearings. 

Information about the agency’s budget and plan is provided in handouts.

The bus trip between Jersey City and Port Authority goes up 50 cents each way. No train or bus fare would increase more than 15%.

The agency said it has reduced costs by $44 million and identified another $52 million in savings, but that doesn’t cover all of the budget deficits. A corporate tax was allowed to expire. The governor has proposed a smaller corporate transit fee on profits more than $10 million.