I am a regular rider of NJ Transit, just like many of you. The proposed fare hike (15% this year and 3% annually in future years) has left us all alarmed. 

NJ Transit has scheduled 10 in-person hearings on the fare proposal without offering a virtual hearing option. This adds insult to injury, as it forces riders to leave work or give up family time to physically attend these meetings if they want to be heard live and in real time.

Riders want NJ Transit representatives, elected officials, the press and members of the public to *hear* in our voices why these proposed fare increases are outrageous and burdensome. Relegating our comments to a written document if we cannot make a comment in person doesn’t allow us to have the same impact.

A virtual option would ensure everyone's voice can be heard without risking health or sacrificing significant personal time. Since NJ Transit has provided a virtual option for most, if not all, board of directors, board committee, accessibility forum and transportation redesign meetings since 2020, there is no logistical reason why it cannot do the same for here. New York’s MTA provided a virtual hearing option when it proposed fare hikes in 2023. There’s no reason why NJ Transit cannot do the same in 2024. 

This is also personal. As someone in a high-risk category with several high-risk family members, I am unable to attend the upcoming fare hearings, as I must avoid crowded indoor settings. This situation is not unique to me but affects many others who are either in high-risk categories or have disabilities that prevent them from being physically present. We deserve to be safe and be heard, just like everyone else.

Accordingly, we call upon NJ Transit to offer a virtual hearing option for its proposed fare hikes and for all future decisions impacting ridership. This will ensure every rider has an equal opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on matters directly affecting them.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair representation and equitable access for all NJ Transit riders!

Please also visit https://www.njtransit.com/board and call into the upcoming board of directors and board committee meetings to oppose the fare hikes and demand a virtual hearing option. Upcoming meetings are Wednesday 1/31 at 9:00 AM and Tuesday 2/13 at 6:00 PM.  Call 1-800-346-7359 and use Conference Code: 701939 to participate.