Public comment encouraged at locations across the system
April 20, 2015
NEWARK, NJ —Throughout the past five years, NJ TRANSIT held the line on fare increases while maintaining high quality services and implementing new customer amenities including MyTix, Departurevision, and MyBus Now.
However, costs such as contract services – Access Link, the organization’s paratransit service, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and private carriers – and healthcare and benefits, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation and pensions have steadily risen. As a result, NJ TRANSIT has been left with a significant budget gap.
Although NJ TRANSIT has identified more than $40 million in reductions in overtime, fuel savings, energy and vehicle parts efficiencies, the agency still faces an approximate $60 million budget gap for the 2016 fiscal year. To close the gap, fare and service adjustments are being proposed.
NJ TRANSIT will hold nine scheduled public hearings and one information session beginning Saturday, May 16, 2015 to allow the public the opportunity to learn more about the proposed fare increases and service changes and offer comments before the plan is considered by the Board of Directors on July 8, 2015.
The proposed service and fare changes would take effect in September 2015 and on October 1, 2015, respectively. The proposed fare adjustment would be an average of 9 percent for the majority of NJ TRANSIT customers.
Beginning on Monday, April 20th, customers may log on to www.njtransit.com for additional information regarding the budget and service adjustment plan.
To ensure an inclusive public comment process, NJ TRANSIT has scheduled nine public hearings and one information session at locations across the state from May 16 through May 21. The hearings and information session will be held in the evenings and on Saturday to encourage participation.
In addition to appearing in person, members of the public also may submit comments via mail to: PUBLIC HEARING OFFICE – FARE PROPOSAL COMMENTS, ONE PENN PLAZA EAST, NEWARK, NJ 07105; online at www.njtransit.com or dropped off at Customer Service Offices. The online public comment period will be extended until 11:59 p.m., Thursday, May 21.
NEW BRUNSWICK (INFORMATION SESSION)
New Brunswick Public Library – Carl T. Valenti Community Rm.,
60 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ
Monday, May 18, 2015 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
ATLANTIC CITY
Atlantic City Rail Terminal – Lobby
One Atlantic City Expressway, Atlantic City, NJ
FREEHOLD
Monmouth County Agricultural Building
4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ
Tuesday, May 19, 2015 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
SECAUCUS
Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction
County Road & County Avenue, Secaucus, NJ
CAMDEN
Camden City Hall – Council Chambers (2nd Fl.)
520 Market Street, Camden, NJ
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
NEWARK
NJ TRANSIT Headquarters – Board Room
One Penn Plaza East, Newark, NJ
HACKENSACK
Learning Center, 4th Floor
One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ
Thursday, May 21, 2015 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
TRENTON
Trenton Transit Center
72 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ
MORRISTOWN
Morristown Town Hall – Senior Community Center (3rd Fl.)
200 South Street, Morristown, NJ
PATERSON
Paterson Museum – Thomas Rogers Building
2 Market Street, Paterson NJ
