Opposition Voiced to Transit Fare Hike Plan

New Jersey Transit's announcement Friday that the transit agency is considering raising transit fares by 25-percent and making service cuts, including two trains along the Raritan Valley Line, has sparked discussion among commuters and residents. Westfield Patch went downtown and to the train station Friday afternoon to talk with residents about their thoughts on the proposal.

Question

What do you think about New Jersey Transit's proposal to raise transit fares by 25-percent and make service cuts?

Answers

"If it is a necessity for them to continue to operate trains and buses then fine. It is not that I would like to pay more. If it is necessary, it has to be done." - Ben Strauss

"If they can help it, it would be a good idea not to. We should be encouraging people to take mass transit." - Josh Jancourtz

"I think it is horrible and they shouldn't do it." - Gina Harmer

"I think they shouldn't be doing it." - Molly Colvin

"I think it is ridiculous. It is high enough." - Donna Mendez (no picture)

"I would have to look at what the reasons are." - Aaron Davis

"I don't ride public transportation that much." - Nicky Haik

"I am very upset. Everyone is struggling and this is the last thing we need." - Veronica Vertucci

"I'm not for it. My husband takes the train everyday. It increases the expense." - Donna Monterarano

"I'm not a big fan of it. Times are tough, I guess we all have to tighten our belts a bit." - Steve Starzynski

"I'd prefer them to raise fares than cut service." - Sagiv Edelman

"I don't care about the fares. I don't like the fact that they want to cut the service on trains." - Bruce Kilgore

"It seems like they should be adding trains. It is almost as if they are discouraging train ridership." - Chris Birmingham