Assemblyman Ramos Speaks Out Against PATH Increase

Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. expressed his opposition to the in a letter to the Port Authority's director on Monday afternoon.

"I urge you to consider the needs of struggling individuals and families before making a final decision about the proposed changes," Ramos wrote.

Under the proposed increases, PATH rides will go up from $1.75 to $2.75 and the unlimited monthly pass will be increased from $54 to $89.

Tolls for autos using E-ZPass will increase from $6 to $10 roundtrip for off-peak travel and from $8 to $12 during peak hours. An additional $2 increase during peak and off-peak hours will be implemented in 2014. Other increases can be found on the Port Authority's website.

Hoboken was recently named as the Ramos wrote in his letter that the increase could "stunt the growth of public transportation, at a time when we should be exploring ways to promote and increase ridership."

Ramos said also that the opposition to the fare and toll hikes is bi-partisan. U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J) came out with a statement last week, calling the proposed increase "fundamentally unfair."