Commuters confronting the chaos at an empty NJ Transit station amid the rail strike.
New Jersey Transit experienced significant disruptions as rail engineers initiated a strike over pay disputes. The strike, affecting roughly 100,000 daily commuters, forced many to seek alternative transportation options, resulting in overcrowding on buses and ferries. Local businesses near transit stations reported declines in sales, exacerbated by coinciding large-scale events. NJ Transit plans to enhance bus services as negotiations with the engineers’ union resume in hopes of resolving the situation swiftly.
Newark, New Jersey – New Jersey Transit rail engineers initiated a strike at one minute past midnight on May 16, 2025, causing major disruptions for commuters who rely on the service. The strike was called by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen due to unresolved pay disputes, impacting approximately 100,000 daily train riders.
Commuters faced considerable challenges as they sought alternative transportation options, resorting to buses, cars, taxis, and ferries. Areas like Newark Penn Station saw a dramatic drop in passenger traffic, leaving the station feeling like a “ghost town.” Many commuters reported that their travel times had increased significantly, with some taking an hour or more longer than usual to reach their destinations.
Frustration among those affected was palpable, as many expressed anxiety over being late for work or missing important appointments. The search for alternatives led to overcrowding on buses and ferries, which were already strained by increased demand. Reports indicated that ferry services had nearly no available seats left, and major increases in Amtrak ticket prices were also noted, with one passenger paying $140 for a one-way trip from New York to Trenton.
In response to the strike, NJ Transit announced a contingency plan designed to enhance bus service and add park-and-ride locations should the strike continue into the following week. This move aimed to alleviate some of the burdens placed on commuters, many of whom now faced longer, costlier journeys and were choosing to work from home when possible to escape the transportation chaos.
Local businesses near key transit hubs also felt the impact, reporting a notable decline in sales as foot traffic dwindled. Establishments such as Chris’s Family Diner and Cait and Abby’s Bakery have observed significant drops in patronage, further illustrating the ripple effects of the strike on the local economy.
The timing of the strike could not have been worse, coinciding with large-scale events like a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden and a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium. These events only added to the congestion on the roads, with many commuters facing exceptionally long delays as they attempted to travel to venues across the Tri-State Area.
Travelers using ride-sharing services confronted heightened demand coupled with surge pricing, which further exacerbated costs for those needing to move about the city. Despite these challenges, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri acknowledged the efforts of bus drivers, police officers, and other staff members who worked diligently to assist travelers during the disruptions.
Negotiations between NJ Transit and the engineers’ union resumed on May 17. Both parties described the discussions as constructive, although significant hurdles remain. The strike marked the first occurrence of its kind for NJ Transit in 40 years, raising concerns about the long-term implications for both workers and the agency’s budget. Engineers have not received a pay raise in five years and currently earn substantially less than their counterparts in the region. However, officials cautioned that meeting the union’s demands could pose a risk to the agency’s financial stability and potentially increase the burden on taxpayers.
As of May 17, commuters who typically use NJ Transit were left with limited options. PATH trains and the Hudson Bergen Light Rail remained operational, but many were still left grappling with the situation on empty train platforms and reduced rail service. With further negotiations involving federal mediators from the National Mediation Board set for May 18, commuters and officials alike are closely monitoring developments as they hope for a resolution to restore rail service and ease the ongoing disruptions.
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