Photo by Bryan Anselm for the New York Times.
This has been a big news week for any commuters going in and out of New Jersey.
Here’s what’s been happening and how it could affect you.
If You’re Driving To New York, It’ll Cost You
New York City has started the new year with its “congestion pricing,” meaning commuters from New Jersey will now have to pay a toll when entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. The toll was put into effect last Sunday, Jan. 5.
This new toll is meant to alleviate New York City’s hefty traffic and raise money for its public transit. According to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the goal is to raise $15 billion for capital improvements to the MTA network.
Vehicles that plan to enter local streets and avenues below 60th Street will be required to pay the toll, which is charged to their E-Z Pass account. However, emergency vehicles and government-owned vehicles have been excused from the toll.
Most drivers will pay the $9 toll to enter Manhattan south of Central Park on weekdays between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on weekends between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. During off hours, the toll will be $2.25 for most vehicles.
Already looking ahead, the MTA has plans to increase the toll charge to $12 in 2028 and up to $15 in 2031.
Some drivers can get a discount, including those with certain disabilities and health conditions and those who transport disabled people to appointments. Drivers can apply for exemption through the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP), which is meant to support people who have disabilities or health conditions that stop them from using public transit.
Drivers with incomes less than $50,000 or in a qualifying government assistance program can also apply for exemption through the Low-Income Discount Plan (LIDP). This plan offers those who are enrolled a 50% discount on the toll, which starts after the first 10 trips in a calendar month.
PATH Tags On New Fee
For New Jersey commuters looking to avoid the drive into New York, will still be faced with a bumped-up public transportation fee.
PATH train fares will increase by 25 cents, going from $2.75 to $3.00. The increase will begin Sunday, Jan. 12. Due to inflation, this is the PATH’s first fare change in over a decade, the last being in 2014.
Some riders are eligible for discounts. Riders can buy 10 trips for $28.50, 20 trips for $57 and 40 trips for $114. That totals to $2.85 per trip, saving 15 cents per ride.
Commuters can also buy unlimited passes at $11.50 for one day, $39.25 for seven days, and $120.75 for 30 days. Riders aged 65 years old and older can apply for the Senior SmartLink Card which allows them to pay as low as $1.50 per trip.
The new fare will affect SmartLink, Tapp and MetroCard users.
You Can Apply For This Jersey City Art Grant And Program
Over the last few years, Jersey City has worked on implementing more arts throughout the city throughout collaboration with a number of local artists.
The city recently announced its Arts and Culture Trust Fund application and call for its Mural Arts Program to keep these efforts going.
The Arts and Culture Trust Fund, which started in 2020, will award more than $1 million in funding to 78 local artists and arts organizations through its third round of grants. Interested applicants can apply for the grant to use it for programs, arts education and operations.
“These grants provide a lifeline for so many of our local artists where little existed before,” Christine Goodman, Director of Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs stated. “These funds will continue to support arts and culture programs with classes and events across all wards of Jersey City for everyone to enjoy.”
The application for the Arts and Culture Trust Fund grants opened Friday morning at 9 a.m. The deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. You can see more information and apply by clicking here.
The Jersey City Mural Arts Program (JCMAP) has an open call for local mural artists to join its roster, which would have a lineup of creatives who can be chosen for future public arts projects. The program started in 2013 and has a mission to expand and diversify Jersey City’s cultural scene, “from the Heights, to Greenville, to Downtown, to the West Side, to Bergen Lafayette and Journal Square.”
For eligibility and application requirements, click here.
This Union City Police Sergeant Filed An Incorrect Police Report
A Union City police sergeant has been arrested and charged for filing a false police report, according to authorities.
Ruben Rodriguez, 49, allegedly filed a report last August saying he was injured after encountering someone at the Union City Police Department who was then charged with aggravated assault, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
However, after a review of records, officials have found that the report was false and that the assault never happened.
Rodriguez was arrested on Jan. 2 and charged with one count of false reports to a law enforcement authority. He has been released as he awaits his first court appearance, set for Jan. 21.
“The Union City Police Department is cooperating with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office investigation. The Union City Police Department is committed to upholding the highest levels of integrity in our service to the public we are sworn to protect. Through our recurring public safety meetings and our community outreach, we strive to extend ourselves to the public and put into action our continuous dedication to Compassion, Proficiency and Respect,” Union City Police Chief Anthony Facchini said in a statement.
Staple Bayonne Comic Book Store Closes
Vector Comics located at 902 Broadway has closed its doors after 42 years of business.
The news of the sudden closure was announced in a Facebook post by Michael Viapiana, who noted how much the community will miss the store, which offered retro and new toys, collectibles comics and books.
At the time of its opening, Vector Comics was the only store in Bayonne that had expertise in comics and action figures.
“We have adults come in and show their kids our vintage stuff,” said owner Joe Viapiana in a 2019 interview with The Jersey Journal. “It’s like a continuity of family.”
Viapiana, who was raised in Bayonne, opened the comic store store in 1983 and had been running it since then. He originally opened it as a comic bookstore but expanded the store back in 2012 after he began to sell new and retro toys and collectibles.
Viapiana said that competing with big-chain stores such as Toys R Us can be challenging, but Vector’s offered a variety of items including comic books, figurines and paperbacks that can be hard to find.
“Customers come here because they want to be here,” Viapiana said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
