Bhalla Calls On Governor Murphy To Veto NJ Transit Fare Hikes

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 8th District, today officially called on New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to veto the recently approved, 15% across the board fare increase by NJ Transit.  The increase, scheduled to happen on July 1st, includes 3% increases each year moving forward.  In six years, the fares would increase to 30% for a commuter.

Bhalla stated, “It is absolutely imperative that Governor Murphy use his authority, like he has done in the past, to veto the adoption of New Jersey Transit’s unconscionable 15% transit fare hikes.  It makes absolutely zero sense to green light a double-digit fare increase when the Governor and legislature are actively considering the adoption of a corporate business tax from multi-million-dollar corporations – one that the governor himself indicated could generate a large portion of the revenue needed by NJ Transit. It is imperative for the governor and legislature to veto these hikes, adopt the corporate business tax, and use the funding from the tax to protect middle class and lower income New Jerseyans from these devastating increases.”

Last October, the Governor vetoed the proposed 2024 budget and toll increase by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Bhalla is challenging Rep. Rob Menendez (D – Dist. 8) in the June primary election, along with several other hopefuls.