No Fare Increase In NJ Transit's FY 2019 Budget

NJ Transit fares will not increase, the state transportation agency announced Wednesday after it adopted its Fiscal Year 2019 budget.

NJ Transit's Board of Directors adopted a $2.3 billion operating budget and a capital improvement program of nearly $1.5 billion.

About $300 million of the capital program will be invested in rail infrastructure improvements, including $17 million for bridges, $30 million for rail station improvements, including $9 million for Elizabeth Station and $4 million for Perth Amboy.

The agency allocated $100 million to replace cruiser buses.

Nearly $150 million will be invested in systemwide improvements, including $34 million to expand the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, $6 million for safety and $11 million to improve technology.

More than 40 percent of the revenue in the operating budget comes from passenger revenue, NJ Transit said. The remaining 60 percent comes from the state, including a $241 million funding boost from Governor Phil Murphy.

About 60 percent of the budget will pay for labor- and benefit-related costs. Other expenses include contracted transportation services like fuel, power, and materials, which make up about 25 percent of the budget.

About 54 percent of the capital budget comes from the state's Transportation Trust Fund and 41 percent from the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration.

“The operating and capital budgets represent balanced, fiscally-sound spending plans, which keep fares stable and allow for long-needed investments as we continue our commitment to safety,” said NJ Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “This budget will allow us to continue to serve the needs of our customers who rely on NJ Transit for life’s everyday commitments.’’

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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