NJ Transit proposes 9 percent fare hike

In light of a $60 million budget deficit for the 2016 fiscal year, New Jersey Transit officials proposed increasing fares an average of 9 percent, the agency announced in a press release yesterday.

NJ Transit officials cited mounting costs of contract services, worker benefits, general liability insurance and pensions among the reasons for the increase.

In addition to the fare increase, two scheduled train stops — one on the Pasack Valley Line and one on the Montclair-Boonton Line — would be cut.

Beginning May 16, NJ Transit will host a series of nine public hearings on the proposed fare and service changes.

Fare increases would take effect Oct. 1, while service changes would kick in September.