Commuters had another chance today to speak out on New Jersey Transit's proposed fare hikes.

That will go up 15% systemwide starting in July.

The first hearing in Camden County was sparsely attended, and today's public hearing in Paterson wasn't much different.

But a senior correspondent, Joanna Gagis reports that doesn't mean the fare hikes are popular.

Look inside your agencies to see any type of bloating that you can cut out and try to not raise the rates on the on the taxpayers of the ridership.

NJ Transit commuters had another chance to testify at a public hearing today about the state's proposed fare hikes for riders.

An attempt to close NJ Transit's looming $900 million plus fiscal cliff.

The hearing held up a county community college in Freetown.

Inflation is an all time high.

People are struggling to pay rent and utilities put food on the table and now face fare hikes.

Under the proposed plan, fares would go up 15% in fiscal year 2025 and then 3% every year after that, which advocates for make the road New Jersey say will punish the poorest among us.

This story on I'm here today with my fellow bus riders to ask that you stop fare hikes.

And instead of calling Governor Murphy to fully restore the corporate business tax.

Despite calls not to let the corporate business tax surcharge sunset in December.

Governor Murphy stuck to his word that he wouldn't renew it.

Well, kind of.

During last week's budget address, the governor proposed a new tax on businesses called the corporate transit fee, a two and a half percent tax on companies with more than $10 million in profits a year rather than the 1 million threshold of the previous tax.

And this money would be dedicated to NJ Transit.

It's an incredible first step.

We need to make sure that we're fully restoring the corporate business tax and not leaving any money on the table.

We're taxing profits over $1,000,000 so that we can avoid things like a fare hike.

So we're not we're not putting more taxes on the working poor.

If they increase the price, then that's going to be kind of rough for me to keep going, especially if being 15%.

One commuter said the agency should rent out its space in Hoboken train station and.

Rent that out and make some revenue.

I mean, it's about revenue.

It's not necessarily on the backs of the ridership.

An approach that has the support of the Regional Planning Association.

We absolutely need to see as much transit oriented development as possible.

It's a really good way to not only bring in some revenue for the agency, but also to ensure that there is useful services and amenities around our transit stations, which is going to naturally increase ridership.

But if riders in general are outraged over a proposed fare increase, well, you wouldn't know it from the turnout today.

Only three people showed up to voice their concerns, but those who did said NJ Transit needs to focus on making improvements to service before asking riders to pay more.

Is this better?

You're waiting for the bus wet and cold on days like this?

Nervous?

No.

You'll be late to work or desperate to use a bathroom.

But you can't leave in case the bus comes.

So I'm shocked to hear that there is a fare hike with no improvement on services.

Grumble and a reach into my pocket.

Put the money in the box.

Pay my fair share.

I just want to get to and from in one piece the correct location.

And if I call in with a complaint, follow up and do something.

Writers allowed eight more chances to speak at hearings held all this week around the state.

In Paterson, I'm Joanna Gagis NJ Spotlight News.