New Jersey Transit Strike Disrupts Commute For 350,000 Riders

A strike by New Jersey Transit train engineers has brought commuter rail services to a halt, affecting an estimated 350,000 daily riders.

Governor Phil Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri urged commuters to work remotely, warning of major disruptions. I Photo: NJ Transit Facebook

The walkout began at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 16, after 11th-hour contract talks between the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and NJ Transit failed to yield an agreement, ABC News' Megan Forrester reported.

Governor Phil Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri urged commuters to work remotely, warning of major disruptions.

While negotiations had continued throughout the week—including meetings with the National Mediation Board in Washington—no breakthrough was achieved. Talks are expected to resume on Sunday.

The strike also affects MTA Metro-North’s West of Hudson service, further complicating transit in the region. Officials remain hopeful for a deal soon, with Kolluri stating negotiations are not a “lost cause.”