Rail service across New Jersey ground to a halt Friday after engineers initiated the first NJ Transit strike in over four decades. The work stoppage, which began just after midnight on May 16th, left more than 350,000 daily riders seeking alternate means of transportation. With wages as the central dispute, both parties returned to the table for critical negotiations over the weekend.
According to NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri, a tentative deal may be near. He said Saturday that negotiations were “95% complete,” expressing optimism after the union proposed a new meeting ahead of previously scheduled talks with the National Mediation Board. Meanwhile, approximately 400 engineers and trainees remained off duty, demanding increases in base compensation amid growing inflation and ridership expectations.
NJ Transit disputed the union’s pay figures. While the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen claimed members earn $113,000 annually, they are seeking to raise that figure to $170,000. NJ Transit countered that engineers already average $135,000 in total compensation. To relieve the pressure, regional transit systems such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority expanded service to accommodate overflow riders from impacted corridors.
Many commuters who were forced to drive into New York due to the transit strike were forced to sit through gridlock traffic heading in and out of the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, and George Washington Bridge, with many documenting their experience watching traffic lights cycle through green, yellow, and red with minimal to no movement. Drivers in both New Jersey and New York saw regular commute times grow exponentially with the addition of drivers on the road.
Friday’s commute remained manageable, as the day traditionally sees lighter ridership. However, supplemental NJ Transit buses and alternative services could only handle 20% of the normal passenger load. In affected areas, riders turned to ferries and rideshare options. Authorities urged patience and advised checking NJOEM travel advisories for safety and contingency planning throughout the disruption.
Governor Phil Murphy also weighed in on the strike, stating that all sides were committed to resolving the matter swiftly. No formal end date has been announced, though officials hoped weekend talks would bring closure. The last NJ Transit strike occurred in 1983 and lasted roughly one month, raising concerns about long-term economic ripple effects if an agreement is not reached soon.
With rail service offline, transit experts point to larger infrastructure challenges. The strike underscores the need for sustainable labor agreements and funding solutions. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, New Jersey’s commuter rail network is one of the busiest in the nation, with NJ Transit alone accounting for nearly one million weekday passenger trips.
