NJ Transit board approves fare hikes

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Transit's board of directors has approved fare increases that average about 9 percent for bus and rail riders.

Wednesday's action would go into effect in October.

Commuters in New Jersey take nearly 1 million trips on the agency's trains, buses and light rail cars each week. Officials have said increases are needed to cover a $60 million budget gap even after the agency cut $40 million internally.

The plan includes service cuts to late-night train departures on two lines leaving Hoboken, and on several bus routes in southern New Jersey.

Those include service from Freehold and Philadelphia to Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park in Jackson.

Commuters have assailed the increases in online postings and at public forums including at Wednesday's meeting.