NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit rail service disruptions are set to continue for a third day after contract negotiations between the transit agency and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ended Saturday without a deal.
Train engineers walked off the job Thursday amid a labor dispute over contract terms, bringing most commuter rail operations across New Jersey to a halt. The strike has affected thousands of daily riders on NJ Transit’s 12 commuter rail lines, which typically handle more than 925,000 weekday trips.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri described Saturday’s talks as “constructive” but said no agreement had been reached. “We’ve mutually agreed to adjourn formal discussions for the day but will continue talking and look forward to resuming discussions tomorrow,” he said in a statement.
The agency has continued to run bus, light rail, and paratransit services through Access Link, but the rail shutdown has put significant strain on New Jersey’s broader transportation infrastructure. With no resolution in place, there is no projected timeline for a return to normal rail operations.
BLET has not issued a public statement since the strike began. The specific points of contention in the ongoing contract dispute remain undisclosed, and no formal updates on union demands have been provided.
Commuters face extended delays
The strike’s impact extends beyond New Jersey, disrupting service into both New York and Philadelphia and affecting commuter access to major employment centers. Transit officials have urged riders to seek alternate travel options, though available services have been pushed to capacity.
The ongoing work stoppage represents one of the most serious rail service interruptions in recent years and highlights persistent labor challenges within NJ Transit.
As of Sunday, the agency has not announced alternative service plans beyond ongoing negotiations, and commuters are advised to monitor NJ Transit’s official channels for updates.
