Commuters relying on NJ Transit should brace for higher fares beginning July 1, as the agency implements a 3 percent increase across its services.
The rate hike follows last year’s substantial 15 percent jump—the first fare bump in over ten years. This year’s adjustment is smaller but comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize NJ Transit’s finances, which are still strained following the pandemic’s long-lasting impact on ridership patterns.
Officials say the fare changes are expected to generate approximately $980 million in revenue for the upcoming fiscal year, helping to close an anticipated $106 million budget shortfall. While this modest uptick may seem minor on paper, regular riders will undoubtedly feel the difference at the ticket machine.
The need for increased revenue comes as NJ Transit continues to operate below pre-pandemic capacity, with ridership levels hovering around 80 percent of what they once were. The shift toward hybrid and remote work has significantly altered commuting habits, making fare recovery a critical piece of the agency’s long-term strategy.
Kris Kolluri, CEO/President of NJ Transit, noted that the additional funds will be directed toward improving operations, maintaining service reliability, and addressing infrastructure needs to avoid an adverse effect on service.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
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