New Jersey's Politicians Remain Quiet on PATH Fare Hikes Amid Congestion Pricing Backlash
It appears that New Jersey politicians, who were vocal critics of congestion pricing just over a year ago, have remained eerily silent about the recent PATH fare hikes. The Port Authority recently announced that fares will increase by 33% over four years, rising from $3 to $4.
The contrast between their reactions to congestion pricing and the current fare hike is striking. Last year, Governor Phil Murphy, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, and Representative Josh Gottheimer led a chorus of criticism against the MTA's proposed congestion pricing tolls, which were aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan. They likened it to "whacking" New Jersey drivers.
However, when it comes to the PATH fare hike, there has been no similar outpouring of outrage from these same politicians or their supporters. Even Mayor Steven Fulop, who supported congestion pricing and has since become increasingly vocal on transportation issues, acknowledged that some elected officials were hypocritical for not speaking out against the fare increase.
Fulop explained that while he understands the need to adjust fares to reflect service improvements, he also emphasized the importance of being realistic about the costs involved. He noted that fares cover only a quarter of the cost of running PATH, which relies heavily on public subsidies compared to other transit agencies.
Critics like Jack McKee, an organizer with A Better PATH, have argued that this lack of response is indicative of car-centric culture in New Jersey, where added costs for drivers are seen as newsworthy, while increased costs for transit users are ignored.
While the Port Authority board still needs to vote on the fare hike, it appears unlikely to face significant pushback from elected officials. The contrast between their reactions to congestion pricing and the current fare increase serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance transportation costs with the need to improve services for commuters.
It appears that New Jersey politicians, who were vocal critics of congestion pricing just over a year ago, have remained eerily silent about the recent PATH fare hikes. The Port Authority recently announced that fares will increase by 33% over four years, rising from $3 to $4.
The contrast between their reactions to congestion pricing and the current fare hike is striking. Last year, Governor Phil Murphy, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, and Representative Josh Gottheimer led a chorus of criticism against the MTA's proposed congestion pricing tolls, which were aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan. They likened it to "whacking" New Jersey drivers.
However, when it comes to the PATH fare hike, there has been no similar outpouring of outrage from these same politicians or their supporters. Even Mayor Steven Fulop, who supported congestion pricing and has since become increasingly vocal on transportation issues, acknowledged that some elected officials were hypocritical for not speaking out against the fare increase.
Fulop explained that while he understands the need to adjust fares to reflect service improvements, he also emphasized the importance of being realistic about the costs involved. He noted that fares cover only a quarter of the cost of running PATH, which relies heavily on public subsidies compared to other transit agencies.
Critics like Jack McKee, an organizer with A Better PATH, have argued that this lack of response is indicative of car-centric culture in New Jersey, where added costs for drivers are seen as newsworthy, while increased costs for transit users are ignored.
While the Port Authority board still needs to vote on the fare hike, it appears unlikely to face significant pushback from elected officials. The contrast between their reactions to congestion pricing and the current fare increase serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance transportation costs with the need to improve services for commuters.
. i mean, remember when they were all like "don't whack us with congestion pricing" last year? now, it's like "oh, we don't wanna talk about the fare hike" 
. mayor fulop even said some of them are being hypocritical... that's just not right, you know? 
and it's all because they're worried about how it affects car drivers in jersey. meanwhile, the rest of us are like "hey, we need affordable transit too!" 
but i guess that's not as important to them 
. it's just another example of how politics is all about who gets screwed over the least... and in this case, it looks like commuters get left high and dry 
I mean, what's up with these politicians? Congestion pricing was one thing, but now they're all quiet about PATH fares increasing by 33%! 
It's like, they were vocal critics of congestion pricing last year, but now they're all about "oh, it's just a fare hike" 
. I get that fares need to go up to cover costs, but come on! 
. And what's up with the hypocrisy? You criticize one thing and then turn a blind eye to something very similar 
. I mean, if they spoke out against it like they did congestion pricing, they'd lose votes. They're probably thinking "if we don't say anything about the fare hike, people will just forget its happening" 
. The whole thing is kinda fishy anyway - like how some of these same officials are all about "fairness" when it comes to car owners, yet they're cool with making transit users pay more 
. And honestly, I think its time for them to step up and demand some accountability from the Port Authority 
. so they were all like "no way Jose" about congestion pricing last year, but now it's okay to just sit on their hands while PATH fares get slammed? 
. Meanwhile, NYC's congestion pricing plan aimed to reduce traffic and generate $15 billion over 10 yrs 
.
. It's clear that service improvements are needed, but it looks like politicians are more concerned with pleasing voters who drive than those who take public transit 
.
. It's like they're more worried about their driving friends than the people who actually use PATH 
. And yeah, the cost thing is a big issue - fares barely cover the costs of running PATH 
. But still, it'd be nice to see more outrage from elected officials 
.
. but seriously, why are politicians being all quiet about the PATH fare hikes? isn't that kinda like, unfair to transit users or something? 
also, what's up with the congestion pricing thing... didn't they just change their minds or something? 
. can someone pls explain it to me like i'm 5? 
but idk i guess they dont wanna rock the boat over transportation issues