NJ Transit Wants to Cut Philly-to-Six Flags Great Adventure Route

A seasonal bus route that connects Philadelphia to Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari in New Jersey is on NJ Transit’s chopping block, NJ.com reports.

“It’s a low ridership issue,” Jennifer Nelson, a spokeswoman for the agency, told Philly Mag. The route typically runs on weekends and holidays between spring and fall, with buses leaving Philadelphia in the morning and returning late in the evening.

The demise of the 318 bus is just one item in a package of service reductions and fare increases that would go into effect on October 1st; riders across the entire system would see fares go up by about 9 percent.

NJ.com:

“I think it’s time for NJ Transit to start explaining why a 34 percent fare increase in 5 years is necessary, and where that money is going?” said Darren Meyers of Bloomfield on the Delayed on NJ Transit Facebook page. He referred to the 22 percent increase taken in 2010 and the proposed 9 percent hike. “More money for the same/worse service. I live less than 20 miles from work, and it’s going to cost me near $200 a month to get to work.”

NJ Transit officials said they’ve reduced costs, frozen hiring and looked for efficiencies to save money and reduce the deficit. But some riders weren’t convinced.

“Why aren’t the guys making big bucks taking a cut in pay? Are they cutting take home cars (by employees) and top management perks,” asked William Hathaway of Orange, who said he rides the bus and train. “Eliminate perks until you get the deficit down. When you cut services, you hurt the people who need get to their jobs.”

NJ Transit will hold a series of public hearings on the changes, including one — the closest to Philadelphia — in Camden, 5:30 p.m. May 18th at Camden City Hall.

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