NJ Transit wants to eliminate bus service between Princeton and the University Medical Center on Route 1 as part of cost-saving measures. The move would also include a hike of approximately nine percent in fares for trains and buses.

A public hearing on the proposal is set for Thursday, May 21 at the Trenton Transit Center, 72 South Clinton Avenue in Trenton, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The agency claims that ridership has been low on the bus between the town and the hospital, and if the measure is approved it would stop service on September 1. The bus route was introduced when the hospital moved from Witherspoon Street to Plainsboro.

According to Mayor Liz Lempert, the town is committed to continuing transportation in some form between Princeton and the hospital.

“Whatever the outcome, the municipality will be working closely with officials from NJ Transit, Plainsboro, and Mercer County as well as the hospital and Princeton University to make sure that a transit link is preserved between Princeton and the new hospital, and that residents who need medical care are able to get to the hospital clinic for treatment,” she said in a written statement on Monday.

NJ Transit cites increased costs of healthcare and benefits, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and pensions as reasons for the proposed changes. “Although NJ Transit has identified more than $40 million in reductions in overtime, fuel savings, energy, and vehicle parts efficiencies, the agency still faces an approximate $60 million budget gap for the 2016 fiscal year,” a press release said. “To close the gap, fare and service adjustments are being proposed.”

The agency has planned nine public hearings and one information session before its board convenes to vote on July 8. Fares would rise as of October 1 if approved. Currently, it costs $29.50 roundtrip to travel between Princeton Junction and New York’s Penn Station. The measure would raise the fare to about $32.

Officials from the hospital, which has been subsidizing the bus service, issued a statement saying they will keep funding it if the decision is made to keep it running.

“We are actively working with other area organizations, including NJ Transit, to develop even more transportation solutions so that community members can have additional options for convenient access to the Princeton Health campus,” the statement reads. “PHCS remains committed to finding access solutions for the residents living in the neighborhood of the former hospital site.”

Among the other options available are Princeton University’s Tiger Transit. Seniors and people who have disabilities are also eligible for free transportation to and from the hospital.

In addition to the public hearings, comments can be submitted online by visiting www.njtransit.com, or by mail to Public Hearing Office, Fare Proposal Comments, 1 Penn Plaza East, Newark, NJ 07105.