Commuters who use NJ Transit could see fares go up by the end of the year, according to reports.

The agency is expected to propose a 9 percent fare hike as early as this week, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The proposal for a fare increase, the first in five years, comes as NJ Transit faces a budget shortfall, said the newspaper, citing a person familiar with the matter.

An exact amount is still being negotiated and would not take effect until October, according to NJ.com. The proposal would need to be voted on and approved by NJ Transit’s board.