Train engineers in New Jersey went on strike early Friday, leaving the state’s massive commuter rail system non-operational. This disruption impacted around 100,000 daily passengers who had to adapt by either working remotely or finding alternate travel methods across the state and into New York City. With trains ceasing operations just after midnight, commuters turned to buses, cars, taxis, and boats to reach their destinations during the morning rush.
Though some passengers left home earlier than usual to avoid potential delays, a few unaware individuals were left waiting for trains that never arrived. Interestingly, the strike did not cause major traffic congestion or long lines for bus services as Friday typically sees reduced commuter traffic into New York from New Jersey. However, the strike did impose unexpected costs and confusion as travelers sought new routes across a system that facilitates travel not just for work purposes, but also to various New York events or to Newark Airport.
David Milosevich, a casting director, checked the news early Friday and learned of the strike before embarking on his journey to Brooklyn. “I left home very early because of it,” Milosevich said, opting for a bus from Montclair, NJ, to Manhattan as an alternative route. He noted the reduced commuter traffic on Fridays, especially post-pandemic, and expressed uncertainty about potential chaos when the workweek resumes on Monday.
The strike followed unsuccessful negotiation attempts Thursday night, marking New Jersey’s first transit-wide strike in four decades. Last month, unionized workers overwhelmingly voted down a proposed labor agreement, setting the stage for the current standoff. Tom Haas, a key figure from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, remarked that the union had been presented with a final offer, which it rejected before talks ended.
Accompanied by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri addressed the issues at a news conference, noting that while they were close to meeting wage demands, long-term agency sustainability remains a significant concern. “What’s the point of giving you a pay raise if a couple of years from now your job is not going to exist?” Kolluri reasoned. Picketing took place at key transit locations like Newark headquarters and Hoboken Terminal, with union members determined to strike until a satisfactory agreement is reached.
Union leaders stressed the need for NJ Transit to offer competitive wages comparable to other major rail systems like Amtrak and Long Island Railroad to prevent loss of engineers to better-paying positions elsewhere. Current figures show NJ Transit’s engineers have dwindled from 500 to about 400. Those remaining are left managing a critical operational role, ensuring trains fulfill safety and schedule commitments.
The strike left many commuters worried not just about their immediate travel plans, but also their means of getting home later in the day. Pam Watkins, a nurse from Edison, expressed her concerns as she sought assistance from NJ Transit staff to use her commuter ticket for a bus on her way back. “I don’t want to be figuring it out on my way home,” she emphasized.
Misguided passengers discovered the reality of the strike after waiting futilely for trains early Friday. Others scrambled to adjust travel plans to reach destinations like Newark Airport, as did entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, who had sought to travel to India. Meanwhile, David Lopez, a disgruntled track worker for a freight rail company, criticized the striking engineers, calling them “greedy” for being unhappy despite recurrent service delays detracting from user experiences.
Governor Murphy stressed the importance of reaching an agreement that balances fairness to NJ Transit employees with affordability for commuters and taxpayers. Recent developments followed 15 hours of non-stop contract discussions, reflecting the complexity of reaching mutual agreement. NJ Transit—responsible for millions of weekly commutes—advised riders of contingency plans meant to slightly boost bus service, though these additions offered limited capacity and were not slated to commence until Monday. Notably, NJ Transit had to cancel additional train and bus services for events tied to Shakira concerts due to the ongoing strike.