In an effort to show New Jersey Transit riders a token of appreciation for their patience with repeated service issues this summer, Governor Phil Murphy announced the public transportation system will be free for a week starting at the end of this month into the beginning of September.
The transit fare holiday will waive all fees on all modes of transportation, and if you’ve already bought a monthly ticket, you won’t miss out on the savings. Customers who’ve already bought a September monthly pass will automatically receive a 25% discount on their purchase through the mobile app, at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), or ticket windows.
The promotion is being called a “thank you” to the hundreds of thousands of NJ Transit riders, given many of the recent service disruptions that have occurred in the transit system, particularly on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC).
“Understanding that our commuters have faced many disruptions this summer, we are providing a one week fare holiday for NJ Transit riders,” said Governor Murphy. “As we work diligently with Amtrak to investigate and address the issues that have occurred this summer, especially on the Northeast Corridor, we hope this fare holiday offers our commuters some relief. We also encourage New Jerseyans to take advantage of this opportunity, and we continue to be thankful to the many New Jerseyans who depend on public transit.”
NJ Transit says it has been “working tirelessly” to advance the joint plan with Amtrak, which was announced immediately after Murphy’s meeting with NJ Transit and Amtrak leadership back in June, to improve service on the critical rail line which is the busiest corridor in the country. The federal infrastructure bill will use approximately $66 million for the upgrades, which are expected to take years to complete.
While NJ Transit alleges the root of the service issues has not yet been identified, the agency says significant short-term actions have already been taken and there has been considerable progress made. Meanwhile, Amtrak has reportedly stepped up its inspection and repair efforts while NJ Transit is increasing equipment inspections on platforms.
The week of free rides on NJ Transit will run from August 26th through September 2nd.
