New Jersey Transit Users Get Tentative Good News

Published: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 12:19 pm

**NJ Transit Strike Ends: Trains Set to Resume After Tentative Agreement**

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) commuters can breathe a sigh of relief. After a three-day statewide rail strike, a tentative agreement has been reached between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), the union representing its train engineers. This agreement, which ended the state's first rail strike in over 40 years, paves the way for trains to resume operations on Tuesday morning, pending necessary safety inspections and system checks.

The strike, which began on Friday, brought the state's commuter rail system to a standstill, impacting the daily commutes of approximately 350,000 passengers. The disruption forced commuters to find alternative transportation, including buses, carpools, ferries, and remote work arrangements. The shutdown is estimated to have cost NJ Transit millions of dollars daily.

The primary sticking points in the negotiations were engineer wages, contract parity with neighboring commuter railroads, and pressures on the agency's funding and fare levels. Union officials stated that the main issue was an engineer pay scale that was significantly lower than those at neighboring railroads. The new agreement reportedly addresses wage improvements beyond a previous offer rejected by union members. The deal also includes strategies for recruitment and retention, without triggering fare increases or major budget strains.

The tentative agreement will now be submitted for ratification by the union's 450 engineers and reviewed by NJ Transit's board on June 11. Full train service is expected to resume on Tuesday, following mandatory safety inspections and preparations.

BNN's Perspective:

While the resolution is welcome news for commuters and the state, the underlying issues of wage disparities and funding pressures remain. The agreement, if ratified, offers a temporary fix, but long-term solutions are needed to ensure the stability and competitiveness of NJ Transit and prevent future disruptions. It's crucial that both sides continue to work collaboratively to address these challenges and ensure a reliable and affordable public transportation system for New Jersey residents.

Keywords:

NJ Transit, rail strike, train strike, New Jersey, BLET, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, commuter rail, engineers, wages, contract, agreement, commuters, transportation, strike ends, Phil Murphy, Kris Kolluri, Tom Haas, safety inspections, train service, resume, Tuesday, public transportation, labor dispute, NJ Transit strike, New Jersey Transit strike

Full Story