Newark, NJ – NJ Transit’s rail network has come to a standstill following a strike by locomotive engineers, plunging New Jersey’s mass transit system into chaos and impacting roughly 350,000 daily commuters.
The work stoppage, which began at midnight, marks the state’s first rail strike in over four decades.
Compounding the crisis, other NJ Transit services, including buses and light rail, are facing disruptions due to reported sick calls and staffing issues among union workers, further straining the region’s transportation options.
The engineers’ strike stems from a heated dispute over wages, with the union pushing for significant pay increases to match compensation at other regional transit agencies. NJ Transit counters that the proposed raises would strain the agency’s finances and could spark demands from other workers, threatening long-term stability.
Both sides remain deadlocked after marathon negotiations collapsed late Thursday, with no immediate talks scheduled.
The rail shutdown has pushed commuters onto already crowded buses, PATH trains, ferries, and private shuttles, overwhelming these alternatives. NJ Transit has urged riders to work from home where possible and plans to introduce additional bus pickup points starting Monday to ease peak-hour congestion.
Private bus and ferry operators are ramping up service, but capacity remains stretched, especially with reports of union workers calling out sick on bus and light rail routes, leading to delays and cancellations.
The shutdown is already hitting local businesses hard, with restaurants and retailers bracing for reduced foot traffic. Major employers in New York are crafting contingency plans to support affected workers, while state officials warn of broader economic impacts if the strike persists.
Governor Phil Murphy called the situation a “serious challenge” but expressed optimism for a resolution, hinting at potential federal intervention to break the impasse.
For now, picket lines remain active, and commuters are left navigating a fractured transit system with no clear end in sight.
NJ Transit advises riders to check its website and social media for service updates as the region grapples with the fallout of this historic labor dispute.