New Jersey Transit train engineers went on strike early Friday, leaving its 350,000 daily riders without a commute. The strike halted all NJ Transit commuter trains, which provide public transit routes between New York City and northern New Jersey.
Commuters were forced to seek alternative modes of transportation, such as buses, cars, taxis, or boats, to get to work or their destinations. Some left early to avoid problems, while others showed up at train stations unaware that the strike was underway.
The strike comes after talks between the union and management failed to reach an agreement. The engineers are seeking better pay, comparable to Amtrak and Long Island Railroad, as they face attrition in their ranks and leave for jobs on other railroads.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri expressed concerns about the fiscal health of the transit agency, stating that a pay raise could lead to job losses within two years. The governor, Phil Murphy, emphasized the need for a fair deal that balances employee needs with affordability for commuters and taxpayers.
The strike has caused uncertainty, with some riders frustrated by the disruption to their plans. NJ Transit had announced contingency plans, including increased bus service, but warned that it would not add significant capacity until Monday. The agency also canceled train and bus services for Shakira concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-transit-strike-train-engineers-nyc-08a230d45019fb96211c4b5710425cfc