NJ Transit Approves 15% Fare Hike Despite Protests

NJ Transit officials have approved a 15% fare increase for train and bus commuters, set to take effect on July 1, with potential 3% increases annually thereafter. The decision, made in response to a $120 million budget shortfall for the year and nearly $1 billion shortfall by 2025, was met with opposition from the public and criticism from New Jersey state Senate Republican Leader Sen. Anthony Bucco, who accused the Murphy administration of betraying its promise to make New Jersey more affordable. Officials cited the fare hike as an alternative to service cuts and called for more funding from Gov. Phil Murphy and the Legislature.