NJ Transit bus and rail riders will pay more starting May 1.
The agency's board voted Wednesday to increase fares and change bus and rail service.
Angry riders say the cuts fall hardest on low-income riders and working people. Several speakers have called for increases in gas taxes or new tolls to make drivers share the pain.
Rail and intercity bus fares will go up by 25 percent and certain discounts--such as off-peak rail roundtrip discounts--will be eliminated.
Local bus and light-rail riders will pay 10 percent more.
The plan restores almost $4 million in bus routes eliminations that were announced in March.
Officials reduced the bus fare hike and revised service cuts following hearings.
NJ Transit officials claim that the hike was necessary keep the transportation system sustainable.
"We have a clear responsibility to balance NJ Transit’s budget and at the same time we recognize the importance of quality system public transportation for all New Jersey’s residents," said New Jersey Transportation Commissioner and Chairman Jim Simpson.
"If we are going to provide a public sector service with a private sector mindset we must commit ourselves to both ensuring the quality of the product we offer and building a delivery model that is financially sustainable," he said.
The changes are part of efforts to offset a $300 million budget shortfall.
