NJ Transit rail service remains suspended amid engineer strike; limited bus service launching Monday
Due to the Strike, Rail Service is Not Operating; Commuters Urged to Work from Home if Possible; Contingency Bus Service to Launch Monday
NEW JERSEY – Rail service across New Jersey is currently suspended after NJ TRANSIT locomotive engineers began a strike following an impasse in contract negotiations. The work stoppage affects more than 350,000 daily rail commuters and comes despite a previously announced tentative agreement reached in March.
Governor Phil Murphy and NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri addressed the situation Friday, emphasizing the agency’s efforts to implement contingency plans and resume negotiations.
“It is unfortunate that locomotive engineers have opted to disrupt the lives of 350,000 NJ TRANSIT riders rather than continue working through ongoing negotiations,” said Murphy. “Nevertheless, we are enacting contingency plans and ask all New Jerseyans to be patient. We are ready to restart negotiations immediately to reach a fair deal for both workers and taxpayers.”
Kolluri added that while a deal remains possible, the agency must also ensure financial sustainability. “Negotiations will resume this weekend. While supplemental bus service cannot fully replace trains, we are prepared to support our customers with highly visible ambassadors to help them navigate these interim measures,” he said.
The strike stems from a tentative agreement announced March 10, 2025, which was supported by NJ TRANSIT leadership and labeled “fair and fiscally responsible.” However, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) — the only one of NJ TRANSIT’s 15 rail unions not to sign the agreement — has since withdrawn support, triggering the walkout.
“Our members at NJ Transit had the full support of our national union, as well as the Teamsters,” said BLET National President Mark Wallace. “NJ Transit has a half-billion dollars for a swanky new headquarters and $53 million for decorating the interior of that unnecessary building. They gave away $20 million in revenue during a fare holiday last year. They have money for penthouse views and pet projects, just not for their front-line workers. Enough is enough. We will stay out until our members receive the fair pay that they deserve.”
Contingency Service Plan
NJ TRANSIT’s contingency plan, announced April 30, is designed to serve up to 20% of current rail riders through limited bus services during peak hours. The plan prioritizes New York-bound commuters and includes enhanced service on select existing bus routes and the addition of four regional Park & Ride bus services operating on weekdays only.
Park & Ride locations include:
- Secaucus Junction to Port Authority Bus Terminal, NYC
- PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel) to Port Authority (operated by Academy Bus)
- Hamilton Rail Station to Newark Penn Station for PATH transfer
- Woodbridge Center Mall to Harrison PATH Station
Inbound (AM) and outbound (PM) bus times vary by location and operate Monday through Friday only. No midday, weekend, or reverse-commute service will be available. NJ TRANSIT personnel will assist riders at all impacted locations.
Additional Transit Services
- Bus: All other NJ TRANSIT buses will operate on regular schedules.
- Light Rail: Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and River LINE will maintain normal weekday operations.
- Access Link: Will run as usual, though delays may occur due to increased traffic.
Fares and Ticketing
NJ TRANSIT is cross-honoring all valid rail tickets and passes on its bus and light rail systems. Tickets will not be accepted on Amtrak, PATH, SEPTA, PATCO, ferries, or private bus carriers.
Discounted round-trip fares are in effect from Park & Ride locations:
- Secaucus Junction to NYC: $8.00 adult fare
- Woodbridge Center Mall to Harrison: $14.00 adult fare
- Hamilton to Newark: $24.00 adult fare
- PNC Arts Center to NYC: $48.00 adult fare (paper ticket)
Tickets can be purchased via the NJ TRANSIT mobile app or Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), depending on the route. Academy Bus customers should refer to academybus.com for ticket details.
Stay Informed
Riders are encouraged to visit njtransit.com/railstoppage for the latest updates and travel resources. Live assistance is available 24/7 at (973) 275-5555 for customers without internet access.
