NJ Transit could halt operations on 5/16 amid Union Strike: Key facts you should know
New Jersey commuters could face disruptions as NJ Transit engineers threaten to strike on May 16th, following a failed agreement over wage increases.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers + Trainmen (BLET) has notified NJ Transit that it may strike on May 16th, which would cease all NJ Transit rail service and may disrupt the daily commutes of approximately 350,000 travelers. The potential strike follows the Union's vote to reject a proposed wage agreement on behalf of the NJ Transit locomotive engineers that BLET leadership determined was unacceptable.
The union’s leadership has called for higher wages than those offered by NJ Transit, citing the need for competitive compensation. A BLET strike would not solely impact rail passengers, as commuters would be negatively affected transferring to PATH at NJ Transit stations (i.e., Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station) creating an extensive ripple across the transportation landscape in the region.
Failed negotiations lead to a NJ Transit strike
Commuters headed to New York City at 350,000 passengers who take NJ Transit could face a strike against NJ Transit. The Brother of Locomotive Engineers + Trainmen (BLET), the union representing NJ Transit locomotive engineers, will have taken the plunge and cross over.
After May 16, any rail service operated by NJ Transit will end if the strike is effectuated; this includes approximately 70,000 travelers changing onto PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal & Newark Penn Station. Whatever is planned — the strike takes place, commutes and local travels will be a disaster.
The dispute originates from a failed deal between NJ Transit and the BLET. In late April, 87% of BLET's governing leaders rejected a tentative agreement that was supposed to raise wage increases.
They stated that a pay raise was not sufficient, even though NJ Transit was willing to lift salaries to $172,856 starting in 2027 — and although NJ Transit top engineers are expected to earn as much as $286,000 soon, they believe their wage responsibilities are competitive in an area of Northern New Jersey.
BLET is asking for or seeking a higher salary level and says they want $314,174 for 2027; and if NJ Transit was to pay that because of their revenue agreement with the New Jersey state government, it would cost NJ Transit $1.363 billion dollars above their contractual accountabilities which could impose fare increases, or threaten drastic service reductions.
The work stoppage is scheduled for May 16th — a successful inability of BLET's bargaining will completely end NJ Transit rail services beyond May 16th, including the Metro-North Railroad west of the Hudson.
What would this mean for NJ Transit commuters?
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers + Trainmen (BLET)'s strike could have a big impact on NJ Transit customers, with around 350,000 daily commuters impacted. The hardest hit would be an estimated 70,000 New York City bound commuters who transfer from NJ Transit rail trains to PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station.
NJ Transit has a contingency plan in place to help commuters who will not be able to ride trains. It includes bus routes to New York and Park + ride service. However, these transportation options will be expensive, around $4 million a day for taxpayers. The bus routes include:
- Northeast Corridor: 108, 112, 115, + 129 bus routes
- North Jersey Coast Line: 116 + 133/135 bus routes
- Raritan Valley Line: 112 + 113 bus routes
- Morris + Essex Lines: 107 bus route
- Montclair-Boonton Lines: 193 + 324 bus routes
- Main/Bergen County Lines: 145, 163, 164, + 190 bus routes
- Pascack Valley Line: 163, 164, + 165 bus routes
Beginning May 19th, the Park + ride service would operate on a first-come, first-served basis from four regional lots on weekdays only. These include:
- Secaucus Junction to Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York
- PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel to Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York (Operated by Academy Bus)
- Hamilton Rail Station to Newark Penn Station PATH Station
- Woodbridge Center Mall to Harrison PATH Station
“Hundreds of NJ Transit personnel will be deployed at these Park + Ride lots, as well as rail stations throughout the system, to assist customers,” the agency has said.
Even with these initiatives, NJ Transit anticipates that it will only accommodate 20% of its passengers and has stated that buses will not be a viable substitute for rail service.
