As NJ Transit announced last week, transit riders are facing a 25% fare increase and service cuts on every train line and on buses across the state. These measures are so drastic because Gov. Christie slashed state support for NJ Transit this year and plans to cut more next year, though he has promised not to increase the state gas tax or tolls. New Jersey’s gas tax has not been increased since 1988.
These measures will have devastating economic and environmental impacts for the state. Some riders will choose to switch from transit to driving, worsening traffic congestion and putting more wear and tear on state roads. Others will suffer through higher costs and longer, more arduous commutes. Now New Jersey residents can tell Gov. Christie and the Legislature that this is bad policy by sending letters through TSTC’s website at www.tstc.org/njtransit/.
Background
Transit fares will increase across the board by about 25%, and off-peak round trip train tickets will be eliminated. For example, for bus riders traveling from Camden to Moorestown, a one-way trip will go from $2.80 to $3.50, while a monthly pass will go from $75 to $94. The cost of a train from Rahway to New York would go from $7 to $8.75 for a one-way ticket, $12.25 to $17.50 for a round trip, and $198 to $248 for a monthly pass.
Buses and trains will run less frequently, meaning customers on many routes will have waits of an additional 5-15 minutes or more.
Public hearings on these changes have been scheduled for March 25 and 26, with two additional “information sessions” on the 27th. For details on how specific bus and train routes will be affected, visit NJ Transit’s website.
Why don’t they let advertisements in and outside the train?
Like they have ads in the NYC MTA trains, NJ Transit can sell ad space above the luggage rails inside the train. Also, they can let companies post their ads outside on the train itself, like they have them on the NJ Transit buses.
Generate revenue from companies who can afford to spend, not the middle class helpless commuters.