NJ Transit is free starting Monday. Here's what you need to know

NJ Transit rider's wallets will get a break on Monday when a "fare holiday" begins.

From Aug. 26 through Sept. 2, all fares will be waived on all NJ Transit modes of transportation.

The free week comes after a recent 15% fare increase in July, the first in nine years, with plans for 3% annual increases moving forward. Riders using expiring discount programs have seen even steeper hikes.

"The fare holiday is a gesture of sincere appreciation for our customers’ continued loyalty and patronage, especially during a period when the service has not consistently met their expectations or our own," Gov. Phil Murphy said. "We recognize the impacts these service issues have had over the past few months and remain committed to improving the travel experience for our customers."

How the NJ Transit 'fare holiday' works

Customers are not required to purchase or present tickets to travel during this period. Tickets will be required for travel again beginning Sept. 3.

Monthly pass holders who have already purchased an August pass, valid through the end of the month, will automatically receive a 25% discount on their September monthly pass purchase through the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, at Ticket Vending Machines or ticket windows.

Summer of problems on NJ Transit

NJ Transit had a number of service disruptions that plagued customers attributed to Amtrak overhead wire issues, disabled trains and a brush fire.

NJ Transit recorded a 69% on-time performance rate in June, significantly lower than the usual 80%. The service disruptions were largely attributed to issues with Amtrak's infrastructure, which is responsible for two-thirds of the delays. However, Murphy emphasized that NJ Transit is addressing these challenges with daily meetings and working groups, alongside a $300 million federal grant awarded to Amtrak to repair overhead wires.

Short-term solutions include NJ Transit personnel increasing equipment inspections on platforms, and Amtrak inspecting and repairing overhead wires, track signal systems and substations along the Northeast Corridor.

The River Line light rail service has not been meeting performance standards in recent weeks and NJ Transit added busses this week to improve service. The agency is also holding its contracted operator accountable to repair and upgrade the light rail vehicles, aiming to restore reliable weekday service as quickly as possible.

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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Transit is free starting Monday. Here's what you need to know