SECAUCUS, NJ – Starting Monday, NJ Transit customers can will see a fare increase of 15%.

This comes after customers complained about service delays, long queues, outages and infrastructure problems over the past month.

Angry drivers like Kyle Weber must now deal with the long-feared cost increase to get to their destination.

“I take the bus a lot, so usually the bus is… either infrequent or far apart and pretty crowded or you're standing out there for a while,” Weber said. “I wasn't thrilled because there's a lot of traffic jams and stuff. Hopefully, [the money] is being used wisely, but I know this is not the first increase and there are a lot of problems. I think we'll figure it out.”

On Friday, commuters protested outside and inside NJ Transit headquarters, fighting one last time at the agency's meeting before the fare increase takes effect. Governor Phil Murphy The leadership of the transit company and Amtrak were called together to announce a joint plan to expedite investigations into the recent rail disruptions..

NJ Transit said on Sunday, among other things: “While a fare increase is always a last resort – as demonstrated by the six years of no fare increases under this administration – we recognize the impact that an increase of any size has on all of our customers and remain fully committed to ensuring that overall service levels are not reduced.”

Drivers say they are considering other options

On Sunday night, a ticket to Penn Station in Manhattan at Secaucus Junction cost $4.25, but starting Monday, the price will rise to $4.89. That may sound like a drop in the ocean, but riders say it could change the way they commute over time.

“It may impact whether I take the PATH or consider the bus or the train,” Weber said.

“For me, it's better to take another alternative. Despite the traffic, Uber or Lyft are probably the better choice,” said NJ Transit driver Stella Mogaka.

Passengers told CBS New York that any additional fee could hurt their wallets.

“You know what? Life is so difficult. Life is hard. And increasing traffic tickets is not going to make anyone's life easier, for whatever reason. I don't think that's a good idea. You should reconsider,” Mogaka said.

“It is stressful. [I’ve] I have a lot of other things going on, so it will certainly take some adjustment to incorporate that into my daily routine,” said rider Ricky Goodson.