'Fair Fares' advocates push NJ Transit for income-based discount program
New York and Philadelphia city governments fund low-income programs for qualifying riders on MTA and SEPTA.
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New Jersey Transit fares have gone up each of the last three years. Advocates say it is forcing low-income riders into difficult decisions. They're pushing for a "Fair Fares" discount program based on income.
“The cost of living across the board - mobility is foundational," said Zoe Baldwin, vice president of state programs for the Regional Plan Association. "We need to make sure that people can get to the places they need and want to go.”
“We cannot continue on as status quo," said Renae Reynolds, executive director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
Status quo at NJ Transit includes reduced fares - 50% or more - for seniors, veterans and those with disabilities. Customers pay the reduced rate by showing a valid ID - which includes an NJ Transit Reduced Fare ID that customers can get online.
College students can save 25% by purchasing monthly student train passes. But there’s no income-based program that people can apply for through the agency or the state.
“I would love that program because it would also - I believe - decrease people evading the fare," said Iris, of Belleville. "We see a lot of that.”
“I think they should get it," said Ben, of North Plainfield. "I wouldn’t qualify, but I think they should get it.”
New York and Philadelphia city governments fund low-income programs for qualifying riders on MTA and SEPTA.
Could New Jersey’s governor step in?
“We understand the fiscal and organizational constraints around some of this," said Baldwin. "And so, we want to make sure that we’re working with the state.”
A spokesperson for Gov. Mikie Sherrill deferred comment to NJ Transit, which said in part that any new income-based fare program would require a thorough evaluation of cost, funding and eligibility.
