NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit rail service disruptions will continue for a third consecutive day after contract negotiations between the transit agency and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ended Saturday without an agreement.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri said that while Saturday’s discussions were “constructive,” no deal was reached. “We’ve mutually agreed to adjourn formal discussions for the day but will continue talking and look forward to resuming discussions tomorrow,” Kolluri stated.
Train engineers walked off the job Thursday in a labor dispute over contract terms, halting most commuter rail operations across the state. The strike has caused widespread delays for riders who depend on the system’s 12 commuter rail lines, part of a network that serves over 925,000 weekday trips.
While NJ Transit has continued to operate buses, light rail and Access Link paratransit services, the rail shutdown has strained transportation infrastructure in northern and central New Jersey. No timeline has been provided for when full service might resume.
BLET has not released a public statement since the walkout began. Details of the union’s demands or the status of unresolved bargaining issues remain undisclosed.
Commuters face extended delays
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The ongoing strike affects not only travel within New Jersey, but also service into New York and Philadelphia, disrupting access to key economic hubs.
Officials have encouraged commuters to consider alternate travel plans, though transit options remain limited due to high demand on unaffected services.
The work stoppage marks one of the most significant disruptions to NJ Transit rail service in recent years, underscoring long-standing labor tensions within the agency.
NJ Transit has not announced contingency plans beyond continuing negotiations. Service alerts remain posted on the agency’s website and social media channels.