TRENTON — The Office of the Rate Counsel would have a say next time NJ Transit proposes raising fares under a bill that cleared a Senate panel this morning. State Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex) said many commuters complained to her that they were not prepared for NJ Transit’s fare increases last year, which averaged 22 percent system-wide. “The decision...
The Office of the Rate Counsel would have a say next time NJ Transit proposes raising fares under a bill that cleared a Senate panel this morning. The bill was proposed by Sen. Linda Greenstein, above.TRENTON — The Office of the Rate Counsel would have a say next time NJ Transit proposes raising fares under a bill that cleared a Senate panel this morning.
State Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex) said many commuters complained to her that they were not prepared for NJ Transit’s fare increases last year, which averaged 22 percent system-wide.
“The decision to increase the fares was done in a two month time frame which for commuters who work long hours didn’t provide adequate time,” she said.
Under her bill (S2539), which cleared the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously, the Division of Rate Counsel would be required to evaluate future proposed fare increases by NJ Transit within 90 days and determine if they're “necessary and fair” to customers.
If the ratepayer’s advocate has objections, NJ Transit would have to respond to them before implementing the fare increase, though nothing in the bill requires them to abide by any suggestions by the advocate.
“This is one of the few agencies still in place that can stand up and represent the people, since we don’t have a Public Advocate anymore,” Greenstein said, referring to an office that was eliminated after Gov. Chris Christie took office.
The Division of the Rate Counsel, which is under the department of treasury, currently represents consumers in matters involving utilities, such as power, gas, cable and water.