NJ Transit Strike Contingency Plan for Holmdel

Holmdel, NJ - Ok, so it's too early to know if NJ Transit's 4,000 rail workers will strike at 12:01 a.m. on March 13. But if they do, that means NO trains on any line will be running.

So how will you get to work? NJ Transit's dramatically stepping up bus service. This includes offering expanded service on regular Monmouth County routes (116 and 133/135) and offering NEW service in and out of the PNC Bank Arts Center morning and night.

1. Park your car at PNC Bank Arts Center and get the bus:

Park-ride service will operate on a first-come, first served basis, weekdays only, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ONLY:

Park at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel and take the bus direct to New York City (via Academy bus). Round-trip ticket into Port Authority cost $36 for an adult, $18 for a disabled person/senior.

No midday, evening, weekend or reverse commute service will operate on these park-ride routes.

2. NJ TRANSIT will add peak period service on the 116 and 133/135 bus routes. Check NJ Transit for times. But don't expect an easy commute: A normally 1-hour bus trip into the city will likely take several hours with all the increased traffic on the roads.

3. Take the ferry: NY Waterway ferry service will not be affected by the strike. The ferries leave from the Belford Ferry Terminal in Middletown every hour, stopping at Wall Street and the West 39th Street Pier in Midtown.

4. If a strike happens, please don't drive into Manhattan solo:

New Jersey Transit Interim Executive Director Dennis Martin said the issue could not be overstated and painted a nightmare scenario.

He estimated a 23-mile backup on Rt. 78 heading into the Holland Tunnel and a 21-mile backup headed into the Lincoln Tunnel. Further north, a nine-mile backup is projected for the George Washington Bridge.

“In the next week, get to know the people on your train who board at the same location as you,” Martin said. “Work out carpooling options. You can’t travel solo anymore if the strike happens.”

NJ Transit is also asking employers to allow people to work from home next week.

Photo provided by NJ Transit media office