Train service halted for 350,000 daily riders as engineers walk off the job

New Jersey Transit train engineers have gone on strike, bringing rail service across the state to a complete standstill and forcing hundreds of thousands of commuters to seek alternative transportation. This first major work stoppage in over 40 years has left approximately 350,000 daily riders who depend on NJ Transit trains to reach work, school, or airports scrambling for solutions.

Negotiations stall over wage dispute

Following a marathon negotiation session Thursday, representatives from both parties ended talks without reaching an agreement. The core issue remains a long-running wage dispute between NJ Transit and the train engineers’ union.

As the impasse continues, commuters face significant challenges in planning their travel across the state and into neighboring areas.

Limited bus alternatives beginning Monday

NJ Transit has announced plans to increase bus service, but these contingency measures won’t begin until Monday and will offer only limited capacity. According to agency statements, the additional buses “will not be able to handle close to the same number of passengers.”

Officials estimate that the expanded bus service can accommodate only about 20% of regular rail commuters, even under optimal operating conditions. The fundamental challenge lies in capacity differences: while a single train can transport up to 1,000 passengers, a bus can only carry approximately 100 people.

The emergency transportation plan includes:

• Charter buses operating from four park-and-ride lots to Port Authority or PATH stations
• Expanded local bus service, though with significant capacity constraints

Rail alternatives by line

Commuters can consider these alternatives based on their usual rail line:

Atlantic City Line

• Absecon: Bus 319, 508, 554, 559
• Atco: Bus 400, 459, 463, 551, 555, 554
• Atlantic City: Bus 319, 501–559 series
• Cherry Hill: Bus 406, 450, 317, River LINE
• Egg Harbor City: Bus 554
• Hammonton & Lindenwold: Bus 400-series, River LINE, PATCO
• Pennsauken: Bus 404, 417, 419, River LINE
• Philadelphia 30th Street: Bus 313–555, River LINE, SEPTA, AMTRAK

Northeast Corridor

• Hamilton & Princeton Junction: Coach USA from Palmer Square, Bus 600-series, AMTRAK
• Trenton: Bus 409–624, River LINE, SEPTA, AMTRAK

Airport travel complications

Reaching Newark Airport presents additional challenges during the strike. Since NJ Transit trains are not operating to the airport rail station, only select Amtrak trains available to Amtrak ticket holders serve this stop.

To address this gap, beginning May 16, the Port Authority will operate free shuttle buses every 20 minutes between Newark Penn Station and AirTrain Newark’s P4 station.

NJ Transit has advised all travelers to “expect crowded conditions and allow extra time” while the strike continues. For the latest updates on service alternatives, the agency directs commuters to visit njtransit.com.

As negotiations continue, commuters are turning to a patchwork of transportation solutions including local bus lines, light rail systems, and where available, Amtrak and PATH services.

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