NJ Transit Ends Free Rides for Some

New Jersey Transit officials today unanimously decided to stop providing free rides for some employees and retirees.

Non-union employees and non-union retirees won't be able to ride for free for non-business purposes starting in January. About 1,800 of the agency's more than 11,000 employees will be affected initially.

NJ Transit says the move could bring in an additional $1.6 million annually.

Dozens of agency employees and members of the general public testified before the board before the Monday morning vote.

Similar measures have been approved by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Delaware River Port Authority and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

NJ Transit also is scheduled to vote on plans to approve up to $1.8 million to add plastic safety shields to protect bus drivers.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)