NJ Transit Fares Won't Increase Until At Least 2023: Murphy

TRENTON, NJ — Fares for NJ Transit trains, buses, light rail, and disability services will stay the same through at least the first half of 2023, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced this week. This year marks the fifth Murphy has avoided fare increases, according to an Asbury Park Press report.

"We maintain our belief that commuters shouldn’t pay a penny more until the job of turning NJ Transit fully around is done," Murphy said while making the announcement at the Glen Ridge Train Station on Monday. "We know we all still have work to do to earn back the trust of every NJ Transit rider, and that work will continue in 2022."

Murphy also said free Wi-Fi will be installed on all NJ Transit buses, the Press reported.

While the steady fares are good news to NJ Transit riders, it could pose additional challenges to the agency's budget.

Before the omicron variant caused COVID-19 cases to spike in New Jersey, ridership has returned to only 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to the Press. Passenger revenue this fiscal year is also $28.3 million below what was budgeted.