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NJ TRANSIT Seeks To End Free Ride Perk For Non-Union Employees In Move To Save Money

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - In an effort to save the state money, NJ TRANSIT has proposed eliminating the free ride privilege for non-union employees.

The move, which is part of Gov. Chris Christie's economic reform plan, would eliminate the perk only for non-union employees like secretaries and the executive director of NJ TRANSIT.

"Totals $1.6 million that's not being collected. It's approximately 1,800 that will be affected," NJ TRANSIT spokesperson Nancy Snyder told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman.

WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reports

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The free rides would still remain in the contracts for 9,000 unionized workers.

The free bus and train passes have been offered to all employees "since the inception of our railroad service," Snyder told Silverman. "The NJ TRANSIT is proposing changing the 30-year blanket privilege."

But Snyder said the proposed change is in keeping with moves made by other transit agencies.

"Similar reforms already have eliminated free travel at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey together with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority," Snyder told Silverman.

The NJ TRANSIT board will vote on the proposal next Monday.

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