NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit rail service could come to a halt just after midnight Friday as union negotiations remain unresolved, prompting warnings of widespread disruptions and limited travel capacity across the state.
Memorial Day weekend is nearing and if the strike continues, it could cause major disruptions throughout the entire state.
The potential strike would begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday, May 16, impacting tens of thousands of daily riders. NJ Transit has issued a service alert urging customers to work remotely if possible and to use the transit system only for essential travel.
To mitigate the impact, NJ Transit has outlined a contingency plan aimed at accommodating a fraction of its regular rail ridership. The plan includes limited added capacity on existing New York commuter bus routes and contracted bus service from four regional Park & Ride locations during weekday morning and evening peak hours.
“This contingency plan will only support approximately 20% of the current rail ridership,” the agency warned. The plan prioritizes New York-bound commuters, who represent the largest segment of NJ Transit’s rail users.
NJ Transit estimates more than 70,000 daily commuters travel into New York using its rail system, including those transferring to PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station. Officials stress that the bus system is not capable of fully replacing rail service.
Bus and light rail remain in service
While rail service may stop, NJ Transit bus, light rail, and Access Link paratransit services will continue to operate on their normal schedules. Amtrak, PATH, PATCO, ferries, and private bus lines are also unaffected by the potential work stoppage.
Customers are being directed to the agency’s “ABCs” — Alternative, Back-Up, and Contingency plans — available at njtransit.com/abc, for detailed travel options.
NJ Transit will activate its 24/7 Customer Service Hotline on Thursday evening to assist riders. Full rail stoppage details and updates can be found at njtransit.com/railstoppage.