NEW JERSEY (WABC) — Agencies across the region are preparing for a possible New Jersey Transit strike on Friday, which could cause significant disruptions for commuters. The union representing train engineers is threatening to walk off the job if a contract deal is not reached by Friday. This would be the first transit strike in 42 years and could impact approximately 350,000 people. Governor Phil Murphy stated that the state is preparing for the worst but hoping for the best as the deadline approaches. Talks have been ongoing in Washington, D.C., between the Brotherhood of Local Engineers and Trainmen and the head of New Jersey Transit. Recent negotiations were deemed productive, with wages for the 450 union members being the primary sticking point. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced guidance in case NJ Transit rail service is suspended. Alternate routes for passengers include supplemental bus services to the Midtown Bus Terminal, adjustments by private commuter carriers, and expanded hours for the Lincoln Tunnel’s Exclusive Bus Lane if needed. PATH commuter rail will operate on a normal schedule, but additional staff will be available to assist with crowd management. A new free shuttle bus service between Newark-Penn Station and AirTrain Newark’s P4 station will also be introduced.
— new from ABC7 New York
