NJ Transit Strike: What It Means For Manchester Commuters

While negotiations resumed Monday between NJ Transit and its unions on a new contract, the company is making preparations to cope with a looming rail strike that may happen if an agreement isn't reached this week.

NJ Transit and its 11 unions, made up of more than 4,000 employees, have not had a new contract since 2011. A 90-day “cooling-off” period was implemented in December, but runs out at 12:01 a.m. March 13.

If an agreement is not reached by then, it is possible New Jersey Transit’s workers will strike for the first time since 1983; that strike lasted 34 days, the organization told Patch.

More than 105,000 commuters use the rail system on a typical workday, the company says in a statement on its website. It has announced plans to accommodate some of those commuters via bus. However, that will only accommodate about 40,000 commuters systemwide, it says.

This contingency plan includes adding capacity to existing New York commuter bus routes in close proximity to rail stations, contracting with private carriers to operate bus service from key regional park-ride locations during weekday peak periods, increasing capacity on its three light rail systems, and maximizing use of the available capacity on PATH and ferry service.

“If a rail stoppage occurs, NJ Transit customers as well as people who normally drive to work should understand that this will not be a normal commute for anyone — particularly with the potential for more than 10,000 additional cars on the road per peak hour,” NJ Transit Interim Executive Director Dennis Martin said. “As part of our contingency planning, we have reached out to a broad range of employers and business organizations in New Jersey and New York to alert them to the potential stoppage, and we have strongly encouraged them to allow their employees to telecommute if possible.”

Rail customers are urged to check NJ Transit's website for the stoppage, njtransit.com/railstoppage, frequently and to sign up for alerts at njtransit.com.

Here are NJ Transit's contingency plans for commuters who use the North Jersey Coast Line or who travel to MetroPark in Iselin.

Enhanced NJ Transit New York Bus Service

NJ Transit will enhance peak period service on 29 existing New York bus routes in close proximity to rail stations. Locally those route are:

• Northeast Corridor: 108, 112, 115 and 129 bus routes
• North Jersey Coast Line: 116 and 133/135 bus routes

In addition, to accommodate Atlantic City Rail Line customers, NJ TRANSIT will enhance service on the 554 bus route, which operates between Atlantic City and Lindenwold. Please note: PATCO will only cross honor Atlantic City Rail Line tickets and passes to/from Philadelphia.

Regional Park-Ride Service

Park-ride service will operate on a first-come, first-served basis from five key regional park-ride lots, weekdays only, during four-hour AM inbound (6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and four-hour PM outbound (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) peak periods.

• MetLife Stadium to Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York
• PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel to New York City (Academy)
• Hamilton Rail Station to Newark Penn Station PATH
• Metropark Rail Station to Harrison PATH Station
• Ramsey/Route 17 Rail Station to Lincoln Harbor Ferry, Weehawken

No midday, evening, weekend or reverse commute service will operate on these park-ride routes. The park-ride locations were selected based on their size/parking capacity, access to regional highways, and geographical distribution. Access to area PATH stations and ferry service was also analyzed in an effort to minimize congestion at Hudson River crossings.

Ticketing

All existing valid rail tickets and passes with an origin or destination of New York will be accepted for travel on all park-ride service, and will be cross-honored on all NJ Transit bus and light rail lines as well as on private carrier buses and PATH trains. Passes also will be cross-honored on all NY Waterway service including Weehawken, Hoboken and North Hoboken, as well as Seastreak services into Manhattan and PATCO service to/from Philadelphia at 8th and Market Street Station.

Customers who do not already have a ticket or pass may purchase round-trip tickets to/from New York during morning hours on site from the park-ride locations. Round-trip tickets for regional park-ride service will also be available via MyTix, NJ Transit’s mobile ticketing app.

Fares from regional park-rides are based on the existing fares from those locations. Adult, senior/disabled, and child fares will be available.

Adult round-trip from PNC Bank Arts Center to New York is $36, $18 for seniors/disabled and for children. For Newark Penn Station for PATH connection, the fares are $32.50 for adults, $14.70 for seniors/disabled and for children.

Other tips for commuters

• Rail Customers: Regularly check the website at njtransit.com/railstoppage. Sign up for alerts at njtransit.com
• Car Drivers: Try to travel before 6 a.m. or after 10 a.m. Leave before 3 p.m.or after 8 p.m. Carpooling is strongly suggested. Get E-ZPassif you don’t have one. Get real-time traffic alerts at511nj.org
• Bus Customers: Expect extensive delays and severe overcrowding.
• Truckers: Avoid Lincoln and Holland Tunnels. Consider diverting around the region.
• Employers: Encourage flextime, staggered hours, and alternative worksites. Consider a 4-day work week and telecommuting.