Perry: Murphy, NJ Transit show "profound disconnect" from New Jerseyans
Perry: Murphy, NJ Transit show "profound disconnect" from New Jerseyans
The Middletown mayor will offer transit fare reductions to combat Trenton's cash grab.
Middletown – Mayor Tony Perry announced a plan to counteract the recent decision by Governor Phil Murphy and the NJ Transit Board, which imposed a burdensome 15 percent increase in transit fares. In direct response to this decision, Mayor Perry and the Middletown Township Committee will introduce a 15 percent reduction in NJ Transit parking fees within Middletown, aiming to ease the financial strain on our commuters.
"The decision by Governor Murphy and the NJ Transit Board to increase fares is not only ill-timed but demonstrates a profound disconnect with the daily realities of our residents,” said Mayor Perry. "By increasing transit fares in these challenging times, the state continues to show a blatant disregard for the financial realities faced by everyday New Jerseyans."
Mayor Perry and the Township Committee will introduce an ordinance at the Monday, April 22nd Township Committee Meeting with a public hearing to be held on Monday, May 6th. The fare reduction would take effect immediately and will be fully implemented prior to the fare increase by New Jersey Transit on July 1, 2024.
"To ask New Jersey’s residents to shoulder the cost of the state's mismanagement and lack of foresight is unacceptable," Mayor Perry continued. "It's essential that we stand up and implement measures that offer tangible relief to our community members. That's why we've moved quickly to slash parking fees at the Middletown Train Station.”
In addition to implementing the parking fee reduction, Mayor Perry is calling for a review of the decision-making processes within NJ Transit and the Governor’s office, advocating for more transparent and community-focused approaches. "It’s time for NJ Transit and the Governor's Office to realign their priorities with those of the public. We need solutions that support, not penalize, those who depend on public transportation the most," he concluded.
Mayor Perry is actively exploring further actions to support public transit users and is calling on Governor Murphy and the NJ Transit Board to reconsider their approach to funding and fare adjustments.
Middletown taking the lead in combatting Governor Murphy is no surprise. His 2024 mayoral address focused on Middletown Township being a model of progress and solutions for New Jerseyans.
_______________________________
Want more CJN? Make sure to follow us on our respective social media platforms. If you’re interested in joining the team, have questions about advertising, or want to send hate mail, please message us at press@centralnjwire.com.