Make NJ Transit Follow the Law: Demand Public Hearings on Fare Increases
Make NJ Transit Follow the Law: Demand Public Hearings on Fare Increases
The Issue
State law requires NJ Transit to hold 10 public hearings “[b]efore implementing any fare increase.” See N.J.S.A. 27:25-8d(2). Despite this mandate, the NJ Transit Board of Directors (Board) refused to hold fare hearings before raising fares by 3% on July 1, 2025 and it has not announced any plans for the required hearings before the next planned 3% increase on July 1, 2026 or any other “automatic” annual 3% fare hikes planned in future years.
Riders continue to endure delays, cancelations and communication issues. Conditions are so poor that Governor Mikie Sherrill issued Executive Order 16 on March 24, 2026 requiring NJ Transit to develop a plan to improve the rider experience and customer service delivery. While this order is a step in the right direction, it does not require the NJ Transit Board to hold hearings before it raises fares again. The fares we pay undeniably factor into the ridership experience. With this in mind, annual fare hearings are essential.
If riders are being asked to pay more for unreliable service each year, it’s only fair that NJ Transit executive leadership and its Board of Directors be compelled to follow the clear intent of N.J.S.A. 27:25-8d(2) law and listen directly to riders on how to improve service at dedicated hearings before each and every planned fare increase. Further, to make it easier for riders to participate and to maximize accessibility, a virtual participation option should be offered.
How You Can Support This Idea
1. Sign this petition.
2. Call Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Office of Constituent Relations at (609) 292-2000 and demand that Governor Sherrill require NJ Transit to hold at least 10 fare hearings with a virtual participation option.
3. Contact NJ Transit Customer Advocate Franck Beaumin and insist that he publicly ask NJ Transit’s Board of Directors to hold the requisite 10 public hearings before each year’s fare increase with a virtual participation option.
4. Submit feedback to the NJ Transit board of directors and make a public comment at upcoming NJ Transit board and committee meetings in person or via phone.
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The Issue
State law requires NJ Transit to hold 10 public hearings “[b]efore implementing any fare increase.” See N.J.S.A. 27:25-8d(2). Despite this mandate, the NJ Transit Board of Directors (Board) refused to hold fare hearings before raising fares by 3% on July 1, 2025 and it has not announced any plans for the required hearings before the next planned 3% increase on July 1, 2026 or any other “automatic” annual 3% fare hikes planned in future years.
Riders continue to endure delays, cancelations and communication issues. Conditions are so poor that Governor Mikie Sherrill issued Executive Order 16 on March 24, 2026 requiring NJ Transit to develop a plan to improve the rider experience and customer service delivery. While this order is a step in the right direction, it does not require the NJ Transit Board to hold hearings before it raises fares again. The fares we pay undeniably factor into the ridership experience. With this in mind, annual fare hearings are essential.
If riders are being asked to pay more for unreliable service each year, it’s only fair that NJ Transit executive leadership and its Board of Directors be compelled to follow the clear intent of N.J.S.A. 27:25-8d(2) law and listen directly to riders on how to improve service at dedicated hearings before each and every planned fare increase. Further, to make it easier for riders to participate and to maximize accessibility, a virtual participation option should be offered.
How You Can Support This Idea
1. Sign this petition.
2. Call Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Office of Constituent Relations at (609) 292-2000 and demand that Governor Sherrill require NJ Transit to hold at least 10 fare hearings with a virtual participation option.
3. Contact NJ Transit Customer Advocate Franck Beaumin and insist that he publicly ask NJ Transit’s Board of Directors to hold the requisite 10 public hearings before each year’s fare increase with a virtual participation option.
4. Submit feedback to the NJ Transit board of directors and make a public comment at upcoming NJ Transit board and committee meetings in person or via phone.
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The Decision Makers
Petition created on March 30, 2026