NJ's Congestion Pricing Critics Stunned by PATH Fare Hikes, Remain Unfazed
New Jersey's loudmouth politicians were noticeably absent when Port Authority announced a significant hike in PATH fares from $3 to $4 over four years. The news comes less than a year after they vociferously opposed the MTA's congestion pricing plan. Gov. Phil Murphy, Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill had vehemently criticized the tolls, painting them as an attempt by the city to "whack" New Jersey drivers.
The contrast between their outrage over congestion pricing and silence on PATH fare hikes highlights the entrenched car culture in the Garden State. The PATH system carries only about half the daily ridership of those entering Manhattan from New Jersey through the congestion zone. According to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, 92,000 drivers crossed into the congestion area every day.
Despite their past opposition, none of the politicians have publicly commented on the fare hikes. However, some officials, like Mayor Steven Fulop of Jersey City, who previously supported congestion pricing and now supports the PATH fare increase as a necessary measure to improve service. "Those things come at a cost," he said. "I think that we need to be realistic about that."
Transit advocacy group A Better PATH echoed Fulop's sentiments. Organizer Jack McKee described New Jersey lawmakers' inaction on the fare hike as an example of their car-centric culture, where added costs for drivers are newsworthy, but increased fares for transit users are an afterthought.
McKee and his group support the fare increase but urge the Port Authority to implement a program similar to New York City's Fair Fares, which offers discounted rides for low-income commuters. The Port Authority board still needs to approve the fare hike, but with virtually no opposition from elected officials, it seems unlikely to fail.
New Jersey's loudmouth politicians were noticeably absent when Port Authority announced a significant hike in PATH fares from $3 to $4 over four years. The news comes less than a year after they vociferously opposed the MTA's congestion pricing plan. Gov. Phil Murphy, Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill had vehemently criticized the tolls, painting them as an attempt by the city to "whack" New Jersey drivers.
The contrast between their outrage over congestion pricing and silence on PATH fare hikes highlights the entrenched car culture in the Garden State. The PATH system carries only about half the daily ridership of those entering Manhattan from New Jersey through the congestion zone. According to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, 92,000 drivers crossed into the congestion area every day.
Despite their past opposition, none of the politicians have publicly commented on the fare hikes. However, some officials, like Mayor Steven Fulop of Jersey City, who previously supported congestion pricing and now supports the PATH fare increase as a necessary measure to improve service. "Those things come at a cost," he said. "I think that we need to be realistic about that."
Transit advocacy group A Better PATH echoed Fulop's sentiments. Organizer Jack McKee described New Jersey lawmakers' inaction on the fare hike as an example of their car-centric culture, where added costs for drivers are newsworthy, but increased fares for transit users are an afterthought.
McKee and his group support the fare increase but urge the Port Authority to implement a program similar to New York City's Fair Fares, which offers discounted rides for low-income commuters. The Port Authority board still needs to approve the fare hike, but with virtually no opposition from elected officials, it seems unlikely to fail.
So I'm reading this and I'm like, what's going on? NJ politicians were all about trashing congestion pricing last year, but when it comes to PATH fares, complete radio silence 
. It just goes to show how out of touch they are with the rest of us. They're always talking about 'driving our economy forward' and then they can't even be bothered to comment on a fare hike that'll hurt more than help low-income folks on public transit 
. I mean, I get it, the PATH system isn't as busy as the NYC congestion zone, but come on! It's still $1 
. They need to step up and make sure this doesn't disproportionately affect people who rely on the PATH for their daily commute 
They're all talk and no action when it comes to fixing congestion in the state. I mean, they were all over Govt. Phil Murphy's and Rep. Josh Gottheimer's and Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill's throats about MTA's congestion pricing plan, but now that PATH is hiking fares, ZERO peeps are saying a word! 
. I do think Mayor Fulop's on the right track with this one, tho! 
We need more realistic thinking when it comes to balancing costs for everyone, not just drivers. 
. Congestion pricing was one thing, but PATH fares? That's like they're speaking different languages 
Where are those voices now? 
Anyway, it's good to see Mayor Fulop speaking up about it, he makes a point that increased fares come with a cost 
. It would be nice if they showed the same consideration for transit users as they do for drivers 
like wut's good 4 a lil over $1? we need more affordable options fer low-income commuters, not just more car-friendly policies 
.
and congestion pricing was supposed to help alleviate that stress. now that there's a similar system at the PATH, id expect to see more of an investment in improving public transport 