NJ Transit Approves 25% Fare Hike for Commuter Rail

It's official. Rail tickets between South Orange and New York will increase by 25 percent starting May 1.

The NJ Transit Board of Directors approved the increase and changes in service during a meeting Wednesday morning. The goal of the increase is to help close a $300 million budget gap.

Under the new plan, commuter rail and interstate bus tickets will increase 25 percent. Under the plan, a one-way train ticket from South Orange to New York Penn Station would increase from $5.50 to $6.75. The monthly pass would increase from $154 to $193.

Rail tickets from South Orange and Mountain stations to Hoboken would increase from $4.25 to $5.25 one way. The monthly pass to Hoboken would increase from $125 to $156.

Off-peak rail roundtrip discounts—purchased by less than 20 percent of rail customers—will not be sold after April 30 and will no longer be accepted after May 23.  Most customers using weekly and monthly rail passes will continue to be able to make connections between trains and buses without additional cost, according to a press release.

The following Morris & Essex line trains will be discontinued:

• Weekday train 870 (5:27 a.m. departure from Hackettstown)
• Weekday train 873 (7:57 a.m. departure from Hoboken)
• Weekday train 813 (6:40 p.m. departure from Hoboken)
• Weekday train 323 (11:20 a.m. departure from Hoboken)
• Weekday train 348 (3:06 p.m. departure from Summit)
• Weekday train 465 (5:06 p.m. departure from Hoboken)
• Weekday train 464 (6:43 p.m. departure from Murray Hill)

While commuter train fares will increase by 25 percent, local bus and light rail ticket prices will increase by only 10 percent. Current Access Link service for people with disabilities who cannot use regular bus service will be maintained. Under the plan, fares for one-zone local bus, light rail and Access Link services will be adjusted from $1.35 to $1.50. Customer incentives to purchase discounted fares will continue with monthly fare options that can save a customer up to 30 percent off the cost of one-way tickets for daily commuting. Discounted 10-trip bus tickets will continue to be offered, with discounts up to 15 percent.

The NJ Transit press release cites a recent survey conducted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) showing that 84 percent of 151 agencies surveyed are considering fare increases and service adjustments to balance budgets. Findings also stated that 44 percent of agencies raised fares in the past 15 months, up from 2008 when just 30 percent did.