It’s the day many New Jersey commuters have been dreading.

New Jersey Transit’s board of directors is expected to formally approve fare increases that average about 9 percent for bus and rail riders at its meeting on Wednesday.

Transit officials say the increases are needed to cover a $60 million budget gap. They say the gap exists even after the agency cut $40 million internally.

The proposal being voted on Wednesday also includes some service cuts.

The hikes are the first since 2010, when fares rose an average of 22 percent.

The higher fares would go into effect this October.

As a result, engineers have voted to strike if their contract dispute is not resolved.

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen says 100-percent of its members voted in favor of a strike should one become necessary.

The union has been working without a contract for four years.

Union president Dennis R. Pierce said the unanimous vote in favor of a strike is rare, but indicates a clear mandate from his members.

(AP)