NJ Transit Strike Contingency Plan For Bridgewater

Bridgewater, NJ -- With a NJ Transit strike looming on the horizon a contingency plan has been released for Bridgewater commuters.

If union workers and the organization can’t come to terms on a new contract before March 13, a strike will likely occur bringing NJ Transit trains to a grinding hault.

As of 5:40 p.m. Friday, New Jersey Transit and union workers were unable to come to an agreement on wages and health care terms for a new contract. Talks are resuming Monday in Washington D.C.

• Read more about NJ Transit Negotiations: Talks To Resume Monday In Newark

In the meantime, what does it mean for Bridgewater commuters if trains are stopped?

The NJ Transit has released a Rail Stoppage Contingency Plan in case negotiations fall through.

The plan calls for 30 enhanced NJ Transit bus routes using five private bus carriers. For Raritan Valley Line commuters, they would need to take the 95, 113, 114X.

Additionally, five park and rides will be set up offering 15,960 free parking spots. The closest park and rides are at Metro Park Station and PNC Arts Center.

However, buses alone will not have the capacity to replicate rail.

At best 38% of rail riders will be accommodated by the buses and park and ride. That is only 10% of Raritan Valley line riders.

More than 62,000 commuters will not be able to get on the added buses, which would mean more than 10,000 more cars on the road during peak hour. This will causes bottleneck at central locations and traffic for miles.

Commuters should expect extensive delays and severe overcrowing on buses. And drivers are encouraged to leave before 6 a.m. or after 10 a.m. for work and leave before 3 p.m. or after 8 p.m. Carpooling is strongly suggested.

Full graphs on the contingency plan can be seen here:

See related: N.J. Transit Strike: 23-Mile Backups, 10K More Cars Per Hour, Officials Say