New Jersey Transit Strike Looms: Commuters Brace for Potential Disruption
Agencies across the New Jersey and New York area are preparing for a possible New Jersey Transit strike that coudl begin as soon as Friday, possibly causing significant problems for commuters.The union representing the engineers who operate the trains has threatened to walk off the job if a contract deal is not reached.
Strike Impact and Negotiations
If the strike occurs, it would be the first transit strike in 42 years, potentially impacting 350,000 people. Negotiations have been underway in Washington, D.C., between the Brotherhood of Local Engineers and Trainmen and the head of New Jersey Transit. The major sticking point is wages for the union’s 450 members.
I’m hoping and praying that they can find the common ground to avoid a strike,
saeid Gov. Phil Murphy, indicating the state is preparing for the worst but hoping for the best as the deadline nears.
Alternate Routes and Contingency Plans
The Port Authority of New York and New jersey has announced guidance in the event of a suspension of NJ Transit rail service.Here are the alternate routes passengers need to know:
Midtown Bus Terminal
- NJ TRANSIT has provided a rail service disruption plan that includes supplemental bus service to the Midtown Bus Terminal.
- Some private commuter carriers are planning to add or modify service to accommodate additional passengers.
- As a precaution, some carriers will be moving temporarily to provide space for additional NJ TRANSIT bus arrivals and departures. passengers should review bus departure gates carefully.
- Beginning may 12,all Trailways departures will depart out of gates 64-68 on the lower level of the north wing.
- The Lincoln Tunnel’s Exclusive Bus Lane, currently in effect weekdays beginning at 6 a.m., will have expanded hours if needed.
- Expect crowded conditions during peak hours in the bus terminal as NJ TRANSIT has limited capacity to accommodate displaced rail passengers by bus. Passengers should allow extra travel time.
- The Port Authority will be providing additional staff to assist with passenger navigation and crowd management.
PATH Commuter Rail
- On weekdays, PATH service will operate on a normal schedule.
- PATH will monitor stations and add service as necessary to address any unsafe crowding conditions.
- During peak hours customers could experience temporary crowding conditions. Those who do not need to ride during peak hours are urged to avoid the system during that time.
- Additional PATH staff will be available to assist with passenger navigation and crowd management.
Existing Mass Transit to/from Newark Liberty International Airport
- In the event of a suspension of NJ TRANSIT rail service, NJ TRANSIT trains will not serve the Newark Liberty International Airport rail station.
- Select Amtrak trains will continue to serve the station. Passengers will need an Amtrak ticket to board an Amtrak train. AirTrain Newark will continue operating to/from the Airport Train Station for Amtrak passengers.
- Travelers are urged to make use of bus lines serving Newark Liberty International Airport. Those include NJ TRANSIT buses GO 28 (Bloomfield-Newark), 37 (Maplewood-Irvington-Newark), 62 (Newark-elizabeth), 67 (Ocean-Monmouth-Middlesex-Newark), and Coach USA express service to/from Manhattan.
- Drivers should allow additional travel time and expect crowded conditions on airport roadways.
New Travel Option Provided by the Port Authority Between Newark-penn Station and newark Liberty International Airport
- Beginning may 16, the Port Authority will operate free, direct shuttle bus service between Newark-Penn Station and AirTrain Newark’s P4 station every 20 minutes. The free shuttle buses will not operate between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., traditionally when NJ TRANSIT does not operate rail service. Travelers should allow additional travel time and expect crowded conditions on buses and at stations.
- Additional Port Authority staff will be available to assist with passenger navigation and crowd management at Newark-Penn Station and the airport.
getting to Newark Airport from Newark-Penn Station
- At Newark-Penn Station, passengers should follow signs and staff direction to the pickup/drop-off point at Raymond Plaza West. The shuttle bus will travel directly to airtrain Newark’s P4 station. There, travelers can board AirTrain Newark to access all airport terminals.
getting from Newark Airport to newark-Penn Station
- Take airtrain Newark to the P4 Station.There, travelers should proceed to the ground level and follow the direction of Port Authority staff to the shuttle bus pickup/drop-off point. The shuttle bus will travel directly to Newark-Penn Station.
pro Tip:
Consider alternative transportation options like carpooling or ride-sharing services to mitigate potential delays during the possible strike.
