Assembly Panel OKs Bill to Rescind Rail Fare Hikes

A measure calling on New Jersey Transit to rescind fare increases on some rail lines has cleared a state Assembly panel.

But the agency says the fare increase was actually the result of a hike at some stations serving New York -- where fares are determined by Metro-North.

An agreement between the two agencies shows NJ Transit's fares rise when Metro-North fares go up. The agreement is intended to keep ticket prices consistent with distance traveled.

The bill approved Monday by the Assembly's Transportation Committee calls for rescinding fare increases on the Main, Bergen and Pascack Valley commuter rail lines starting March 1.

The measure highlighted daily fares that went up to 75 cents and monthly passes that increased up to $23.

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