NJ TRANSIT Holding Public Hearings This Week On Proposed Rate Hikes, Service Cuts
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- NJ TRANSIT is holding nine scheduled hearings this week to allow the public the opportunity to sound off on its proposed fare hikes and service cuts.
Riders could soon be paying 9 percent more on average for their commutes, as the agency aims to close a $56 million budget gap with fare increases on both trains and buses.
The plan would also eliminate two late night Hoboken trains and make cuts to six bus routes.
If approved, the service changes would take effect in September, and the fare hikes would begin Oct. 1.
A public information session was held Saturday in New Brunswick.
"Nine percent increase seems a bit egregious to me," Smith said. "If you are going to do an increase, maybe you should consider doing something that keeps up with the inflation."
NJ TRANSIT says the increases are needed because of the soaring costs of service contracts, workers' pensions and health care, and insurance.
Here is the schedule of public meetings. All sessions are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday
ATLANTIC CITY
Atlantic City Rail Terminal - Lobby
One Atlantic City Expressway, Atlantic City, NJ
FREEHOLD
Monmouth County Agricultural Building
40000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ
Tuesday
SECAUCUS
Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction
County Road & County Avenue, Secaucus, NJ
CAMDEN
Camden City Hall - Council Chambers (2nd Fl.)
520 Market Street, Camden, NJ
Wednesday
NEWARK
NJ TRANSIT Headquarters - Board Room
One Penn Plaza East, Newark, NJ
HACKENSACK
Learning Center, 4th Floor
One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ
Thursday
TRENTON
Trenton Transit Center
72 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ
MORRISTOWN
Morristown Town Hall - Senior Community Center (3rd Fl.)
200 South Street, Morristown, NJ
PATERSON
Paterson Museum - Thomas Rogers Building
2 Market Street, Paterson NJ
