NJ Transit Hikes Prices, New Costs Take Effect Tuesday

New higher fares for NJ Transit riders are going into effect on Tuesday.

According to NBC New York, the 3 percent increase was rolled out to help fill a $106 million budget gap.

The hikes come after the record-breaking budget deal signed Monday by Governor Phil Murphy, and the recent announcement of discounts for riders during the summer months. The newly approved fiscal budget includes $788 million from the Corporate Transit Fee to improve different NJ Transit projects, including $767 million for the division to begin to fully modernize its fleet.

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Last year, the NJ Transit board voted unanimously to approve a 15 percent hike, the first rise since 2015, as a result of low pandemic-related ridership that had cost NJ Transit $2 billion in revenue as of April 2024.

Speaking to the New Jersey Monitor, an advocate with Tri-State Transportation Campaign is calling for a new funding method in the wake of the July 1 adjustments.

“Working-class families who are dependent on New Jersey Transit can’t afford a 3% increase every single year,” said Talia Crawford. “It’s a lot of money, especially with rising costs of living, including my child care, housing, health care — everything is increasing.”

New Fares Going Into Effect On July 1

The new base fare for bus and light rail travel is $1.80, and rail travel begins at $1.70.

Ticket prices are in accordance with the route and distance traveled. The cost to ride a bus will start at $1.80 for a one-zone ride, and can get as high as $55. A one-way ride on light rail could reach $2.55. A rail ticket will cost you between $1.70 and more than $23.

Riders between 5 and 11 years old, or above 62 will pay a discounted rate.

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