NJ Transit Seeking $1.2 Billion as Train Ridership Falls to Near Zero
- Ads, leases, other revenue also taking hit, agency says
- Coronavirus expenses $10 million monthly, according to letter
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New Jersey Transit is asking the state’s congressional delegation for $1.2 billion in federal aid as train ridership has dropped 98% and coronavirus-related expenses are costing $10 million a month.
Kevin Corbett, chief executive officer of the nation’s largest statewide transportation provider, said in a letter that the agency was thankful for $1.5 billion pledged from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. But NJ Transit needs more because it expects a $2.6 billion budget hole through June 2021, he wrote, and doesn’t see a swift return to pre-virus ridership levels.