On December 1, the Princeton Undergraduate Student Government’s Transit Working Group successfully distributed around 200 discounted NJ Transit tickets for $10 to New York City. This initiative aimed to express strong support among students for a subsidized transportation plan that could alleviate costs, making city access more equitable for all students. The overwhelming demand for the tickets, which sold out almost immediately after being announced through MyPrincetonU, underscores the financial strain many students face regarding transportation. Currently, a round-trip fare from Princeton Station to New York Penn Station costs approximately $42.
While such ticket giveaways highlight the need for affordable transportation, they reveal the limitations of the approach, which only benefits those who are quick enough to secure them and can still afford the discounted price. If the goal is to create a sustainable, long-term solution for students, the University should consider introducing systematic transportation stipends.
Princeton has demonstrated its capability to implement effective stipend programs. For instance, first- and second-year students on the unlimited meal plan receive $150 in PawPoints each semester, usable for on-campus dining and select off-campus establishments. Additionally, every student is gifted six “Passports to the Arts,” granting them free access to various on-campus performances. The USG has also initiated programs like weekly movies at the Garden Theatre. These examples reflect an understanding that meaningful opportunities should be accessible to all students.
Transportation support could align seamlessly with this existing model. Currently, the University provides a 50% transit subsidy for faculty and graduate students, which allows for reimbursements up to $375 based on a $750 upfront investment, but only for bulk purchases and multi-ride tickets. Individual tickets and single-ride fares remain ineligible, stressing the need for a more inclusive approach.
A more universal stipend—potentially around $100 or $150 per semester or year—could provide students with the freedom to utilize NJ Transit as needed. However, such a program would require careful budget considerations, as it would be more costly than one-time discounted tickets.
One possible approach could be a tiered plan that accounts for financial aid, such as offering four free tickets per semester to those on full aid. The University could integrate the cost of a couple of round-trip tickets into the existing personal expenses stipend already provided for books, transportation, and recreation, gradually expanding this benefit to all students.
If a transportation stipend were to be implemented, it might necessitate reallocating resources from other programs. Nonetheless, enhancing transportation access is a critical component of student life, influencing students’ ability to engage in internships, healthcare, recreation, and community involvement outside the university’s confines. To genuinely promote equity, the University should consider enhancing its investment in transportation as a priority.
The excitement surrounding the ticket distribution signifies a strong desire for change among students. Transitioning from enthusiasm to concrete policy requires addressing funding implications, but it also reinforces a key message: equitable access to transportation is a fundamental aspect of the Princeton experience that ought not to be reserved for a select few.