Much to the chagrin of many commuters, beginning March 1, for the first time passengers will be charged for parking in four NJ Transit Park & Ride lots. All NJ Transit lots located in Wayne - Mother's Park & Ride on Route 23 north, Willowbrook Mall, and the brand new Park & Ride on Route 23 south - will be affected.
Flyers placed on cars on Jan. 24 to alert commuters stated an increase in the operation of parking facilities as the main reason for the fee. The rate, according to Dan Stessel, a spokesman for NJ Transit, said the rate would include insurance, maintenance, utilities, and snow removal.
Fees include $2 a day, or $25 monthly.
For convenience, commuters will be able to pay for parking from ticket vending machines as they purchase their bus ticket or pass.
Angry commuters have voiced opposition about the added cost, saying that NJ Transit officials have been misleading about fees. Many of the commuters include those who travel into New York City on a daily basis for work.
The township mayor and council are also among those who are unhappy with NJ Transit's decision to impose a parking fee. They have since come up with an idea to have some kind of stickers for vehicles allowing Wayne residents to park for free or receive a discount.
"We just want some recognition that Wayne has bent over backwards for NJ Transit. We're looking out for the residents of our township," said Council President Gerard Porter.
During a recent mayor and council meeting, a representative from NJ Transit was on hand to discuss the parking situation at the new park and ride on Route 23 south near the junction of Routes 80 and 46. The idea about the stickers was brought up however it was quickly shot down by the NJ Transit representative.
"They told us it would be discriminatory to offer stickers to only Wayne residents," Porter said.
The council has since passed a resolution that included the sticker idea and voiced disappointment with NJ Transit's parking fee. A letter of discontent was also sent along to the state legislature.
"We wanted to show that we're backing the citizens of Wayne and showing the state legislature how much commuters are against the parking fees," said Mayor Chris Vergano.
There are also big concerns about the lack of space in the new park and ride, which is forcing commuters to park at Mother's lot, where bus operation has been cut drastically.
