NJ Transit Fare Hike Approved: See New Rates, Timing

NEWARK, NJ — NJ Transit voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve a 15 percent fare increase starting July 1 despite a last-minute protest and pleas from commuters urging the organization to reject the proposal.

The NJ Transit board voted in favor of the fare increase package with no changes, according to a livestream of the meeting. Before the vote, riders asked board members to spare low-income commuters while dozens of people simultaneously protested outside the organization's Newark headquarters, according to multiple reports.

Board members weren't swayed.

“I am voting yes, but it is a reluctant yes. It is a very difficult decision to do this,” said board member Shanti Narra before the vote.

She continued, "Every single one of you who said New Jersey residents deserve safe, reliable, efficient and affordable public transportation are 1oo percent right. If there was a way to deliver it without these fare hikes, I’d be 100 percent on board."

NJ Transit unveiled the proposed 15 percent rate hike in January as part of its 2025 budget. The hike will take effect on July 1 and subsequent 3 percent increases will also be implemented on July 1 of each year, officials previously said.

The increase will raise some commuting costs by more than $3 for a one-way ticket. For example, a one-way bus ticket from Toms River to New York City will increase from $21.25 to $24.40 under the hikes; from Princeton to New York City via train, the increase will go from $16 to $18.40.

The new rates would also impact light rail and river LINE modes of travel. You can view the proposed fares here.

"This proposed fare adjustment, along with NJ TRANSIT’s internal efficiencies, savings and revenue enhancements would allow for a fully funded FY25 operating budget that avoids reducing service levels," NJ Transit said in January.

The proposed rate increases are NJ Transit's first since 2015, the public transit provider said, and come as a result of low pandemic-related ridership that has cost NJ Transit $2 billion in revenue to date. The end of its COVID-19 relief funding in 2025 marks additional budgetary concerns after a $119 million budget deficit identified last year, officials said.

The increase comes a month after a 3 percent toll hike went into effect for drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. The hike marked the third time tolls have increased since 2020.

In December, officials with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority also approved a once-daily toll of $15 for drivers who enter Manhattan below 60th Street during most hours of the day. Commercial trucks will pay as much as $36, while taxis will add $1.25 per fare and ride-hail apps like Uber and Lyft will tack on an extra $2.50 per ride.

Congestion pricing is expected to begin this spring.