Wednesday, January 24, 2007
NJ Transit: The more expensive way to go
Facing a $60 million shortfall in its $1.5 billion budget, NJ Transit has proposed hiking its bus and train fares by 10%, to take effect on June 1, 2007. The last fare increase, of about 9.9%, went into effect two years ago.Although we've supported some of NJ Transit's fare increases in years past -- they too need to keep up with inflation -- two 10% increases just two years apart doesn't seem quite right.
Its time for NJ Transit's management to go back to the cutting board and look at what fat they can trim from their budget. And a better plan on collecting ticket revenue -- especially on the weekends when conductors just give up checking and selling tickets when the train is full -- will surely bring more money into its coffers.
In the end, an increase may be necessary. But 10% seems too high.
