Frustrated commuters demand halt to NJ Transit fare hike

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This morning, frustrated commuters protested outside of NJ Transit headquarters in Newark demanding a halt to the fare hike. “Make the Road New Jersey” rallied in Newark before this morning's board hearing at NJ Transit. NJ Transit commuters will face a 15% increase, beginning Monday for bus and train tickets. “How are we going to increase 15% with no guarantee of improved service?," asked Nedia Morsy, the spokesperson of “Make the Road New Jersey." The rally was held ahead of a 9 a.m. NJ Transit Operations and Customer Service Committee meeting. This took place after commuters endured delays and cancellations all last week, due to power problems and disabled trains. Shirlee Jaramaillo, a Metuchen resident, said she takes 4-5 buses every day to do everything, from work to grocery shopping. She explains that when it runs late, it's a compromise to her job. Gov. Phil Murphy responded to criticisms of the fare hike last night on News 12’s Ask Governor Murphy. "We did go six years with no increase, the last administration it was up 38%. We’re not going to balance the books only on the backs of commuters I promise folks that," said Murphy. "