NJ Transit riders are currently facing significant service disruptions as the system races toward a critical deadline at midnight on Thursday. If the ongoing contract negotiations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers union do not yield results, it could mark the first major rail strike in over 40 years for the Garden State's rail service. In anticipation of the potential strike, NJ Transit has placed eye-catching red signage at stations, alerting passengers to the impending service cuts that will commence at midnight on Friday.
One of the alarming messages displayed reads, “CRITICAL SERVICE ADVISORY: Due to a potential rail stoppage, NJ Transit strongly advises all train customers to complete their travels and arrive at their final destination no later than 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 15th.” This advisory was prominently featured on a monitor at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, a key transit hub for many commuters.
With the possibility of a strike looming, many commuters are already exploring alternatives to public transit. The potential costs associated with these alternatives are causing concern among riders. Lisa Monroe, a 53-year-old media professional, expressed her frustration over the prospect of driving to the city five days a week, estimating that it would cost her approximately $425 weekly, not including fuel expenses. “Honestly, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Monroe stated, highlighting the financial strain that could result from the strike. “We have to spend more money on getting to work, and your salary is not going to match.”
Monroe expressed sympathy for the NJ Transit workers who may strike, stating, “I don’t want to blame the workers for going on strike, but it’s a hardship for me.”
Another commuter, Maritza Moreira, a 37-year-old construction worker, shared her own challenges, considering staying with her mother in the city along with her husband and 9-month-old daughter. “I have reached my limits,” she remarked, reflecting on the ongoing frustrations with NJ Transit. “The train was extremely late today, and I just don’t understand why. People are paying, they’re packed, and now they’re talking about a strike.” Moreira is even contemplating relocating from New Jersey to the South due to her dissatisfaction with the rail service.
Moreira, who works from home three days a week, hopes to negotiate with her employer to increase her remote work days to five. With just hours remaining until the deadline, the potential fallout for NJ Transit riders could be substantial.
Micah Rasmussen, Director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, commented on the situation, stating, “There are no replacement workers, and it’s definitely going to involve interruptions in service — NJ Transit is being very clear about that.” He emphasized that the service cannot be hastily assembled and warned that if a strike occurs, it could lead to significant disruptions for daily commuters. “I think it’s going to be ugly,” Rasmussen added, though he remains cautiously optimistic about the negotiations taking place in Washington, D.C.
Despite setbacks in the negotiations, a source close to the discussions indicated that there has been meaningful bargaining between NJ Transit and the union. However, the source noted, “Whether they have enough time to get it done remains to be seen.” Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers general chairman Tom Haas expressed optimism during negotiations on Wednesday, stating he believes an agreement can be reached.
In light of the looming strike, NJ Transit announced on Monday that it would be preemptively cutting bus and rail service to MetLife Stadium on Thursday and Friday. This decision comes just as Shakira is set to perform at a sold-out concert, expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees. The strike could significantly affect the stadium's capacity crowd of 82,500, particularly for those who rely on public transit for transportation.
As the deadline approaches, NJ Transit riders are left in uncertainty, hoping for a resolution that will avoid the disruptions that a strike would undoubtedly bring.
