NJ Transit Proposes 25 Percent Fare Increase That Would Affect Chatham Commuters

New Jersey Transit has proposed a 25 percent fare increase for next year in an attempt to generate $140 million in additional revenue. It is also proposing to discontinue several trains that run along the Morris and Essex rail lines.

According to information released today by NJ Transit, the one-way fare between Chatham and New York Penn Station would increase from $8 to $10. The off-peak round-trip fare between the two stations would increase from $13.75 to $20, and the monthly pass between the two would go up from $227 to $284.

One-way fares between Hoboken and Chatham would increase from $7.25 to $9. Off-peak round-trip fares would increase from $12.25 to $18 and monthly passes would increase from $198 to $248.

The increases would essentially mean that off-peak round-trip discounts would no longer exist.

"We recognize that any increase is a burden for our customers, particularly during a recession," NJ Transit Executive Director Jim Weinstein said in a news release.  "However, we have worked to keep local bus fares below the regional average and preserved some important discounts for seniors and people with disabilities, as well as for students and others who are among the most transit dependent."

Several weekday trains would also be discontinued. They would include a train from Chatham to Hoboken that departs at 6:31 a.m. and trains from Hoboken to Chatham that leave at 7:57 a.m., 11:20 a.m. and 6:40 p.m.

The news release also said ridership on the system's trains has dropped by four percent in recent months.

Under the plan, bus customers would experience reduced service frequency on about 50 routes systemwide. In most instances, the interval between bus arrival times will grow by a range of five to 20 minutes.

Frequency of Newark Light Rail service between Broad Street and Newark Penn stations would decrease during weekday midday hours from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes; Sunday service would operate every 25 minutes, rather than every 20 minutes.

The changes would go into effect May 1. But first, the agency will hold 11 public hearings across the state in an effort to hear feedback. There will be one on March 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the third floor of Morristown Town Hall, 200 South St., Morristown.