Middletown Reducing Costs To Park At Commuter Lots 15 Percent

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — As NJ Transit is raising fares, Middletown Township is reducing the cost to park at its commuter lots.

On Monday, Middletown announced it will reduce the cost to park at all Middletown commuter parking lots by 15 percent. The 15-percent fee reduction applies to the following permitted lots:

• Middletown train station main parking lot
• Daily metered train station parking lot (the metered parking lot across from the train station on Church Street)
• Bus commuter parking lot: There are a total of four bus commuter parking lots located along Rt. 36 in Middletown Township. You can see the list of lots here.

The new price will not go into effect until mid- to late May: Middletown will introduce the ordinance at the next Township Committee meeting, April 22, with a public hearing to be held on May 6. Once approved, the fare reduction at Middletown commuter parking lots would take effect immediately.

Last week, the NJ Transit board approved a 15 percent fare increase across the board, on all train and bus fares. The fare increase will take effect starting July 1. Learn more: NJ Transit Fare Hike Approved: See New Rates, Timing (April 10)

Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said Monday his decision to lower the commuter parking lot fees is a "direct response" to NJ Transit's fare hike, which he called "burdensome." Perry said he is "aiming to ease the financial strain on commuters."

"The decision by Gov. 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 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 ... That's why we've moved quickly to slash parking fees at the Middletown Train Station.”

Tolls also going up on Turnpike, Parkway and new $15 surcharge to enter Manhattan by car

The NJ Transit fare increase comes a month after a 3 percent toll hike went into effect for drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. The hike marked the third time tolls have increased since 2020.

In December, officials in New York City also approved a once-daily toll of $15 for drivers who enter Manhattan below 60th Street during most hours of the day. Commercial trucks will pay as much as $36, while taxis will add $1.25 per fare and ride-hail apps like Uber and Lyft will tack on an extra $2.50 per ride.

Congestion pricing is expected to begin this spring.

Perry, a Republican, is calling for a review of the decision-making processes at NJ Transit and the Governor’s office.

"It’s time for NJ Transit and the Governor's Office to realign their priorities with those of the public," said the Middletown mayor. "We need solutions that support, not penalize, those who depend on public transportation the most."