NJ.com, 5/4/17:
Murphy pitches plan to fix NJ Transit that could include new tax
TRENTON -- Phil Murphy, the Democratic front-runner for New Jersey governor, on Thursday unveiled his plan to fix problem-plagued NJ Transit -- and he didn't rule out instituting a new tax to provide more funding for the agency that runs the state's bus and rail system.
Murphy said during a news conference at the Trenton train station that a key part of his plan calls increasing state aid to the agency, including exploring the idea of a "dedicated finding source."
SNIP
In the current state budget, New Jersey sends $141 million in aid to NJ Transit and is projected to send the same amount next year. That's an increase from a low of $33 million last year but less than half as much as a peak of $358 million in 2009.
Christie's administration also diverts $204 million from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and $82 million from the Clean Energy Fund to NJ Transit.
In all, the state is sending $427 million in taxpayer money to the agency this year.
Plus, Christie signed legislation that will direct $140 million in supplemental aid from the state Transportation Trust Fund to the upgrade the transportation system.
"We are making the necessary investments in NJ Transit," Brian Murray, a spokesman for Christie's office, said.
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