Sherrill Calls on NJ TRANSIT to Pause Rate Hike, Improve Service for Commuters
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, a champion for investments in public transit, released the following statement on NJ TRANSIT’s 15 percent fare hike:
“During the past few weeks, NJ TRANSIT commuters have experienced unacceptable delays due to breakdowns on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Now, New Jerseyans are staring down a 15 percent rate hike – all while disruptions continue. I understand the difficult budget circumstances for NJ TRANSIT, but this is a textbook example of inconsistent planning and short-term thinking that has been far too typical in Trenton and Washington. Families deserve a break – not a fare hike, which is why I am calling on NJ TRANSIT to pause and reevaluate these plans until New Jersey commuters have the reliable service they expect and deserve,” said Rep. Sherrill.
Earlier this week, Sherrill and Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08) led the entire New Jersey Congressional Delegation in demanding that U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg launch an investigation into significant Amtrak malfunctions along the Northeast Corridor that have caused thousands of hours of delays for NJ TRANSIT commuters and New Jersey families. Their advocacy comes as a direct response to this and last week’s breakdowns that canceled or delayed 130 NJ TRANSIT trains and left thousands of New Jerseyans stranded without access to rail transportation, given NJ TRANSIT’s status as a tenant on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor that cannot direct repairs on Amtrak property.
Since first taking office, Sherrill has strongly advocated for New Jersey’s effort to modernize rail infrastructure, build the Gateway Tunnel, cut commuting times, and reduce transit costs for New Jersey families. She helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, which provided $6 billion specifically for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor route to address the maintenance backlog and improve track safety and reliability. Sherrill also supports the Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act, which would provide $80 billion over four years for public transit systems – including NJ Transit – to support their operating budgets and help them expand access to public transportation.
###