NJ Transit announced on April 30 that due to a strike threat from the train drivers and conductors’ union over their demand for a $55,000 pay raise, the two sides have failed to reach an agreement. The agency stated that starting from May 16, they will have to suspend the operation of various train lines serving 100,000 passengers daily, and provided alternative plans including suggesting eligible passengers to work remotely from home during this period.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri stated at a press conference on Wednesday that they have a total of 12,000 employees, including train operators responsible for driving the trains. He has been negotiating with various unions over the past three months but the “Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen” (BLET) did not agree to the agreement.
Kolluri mentioned that the average annual income of New Jersey residents is $77,000, while their employees’ average annual salary is $135,000, with the union requesting an increase to $190,000.
“This falls into the high-income bracket. It’s a nice dream, I don’t blame them, but the reality is different,” Kolluri said. He emphasized that if union members somehow believe they can surpass the service to 350,000 passengers daily, it benefits no one, including train drivers and conductors.
Therefore, Kolluri announced emergency plans in case of a strike on May 16: the continued operation of transportation will include Amtrak, ferries, buses, and light rail systems; while the suspension will affect the rail lines serving 100,000 passengers daily.
The agency has prepared two alternative plans. The first involves utilizing and increasing existing bus routes, with a focus on routes to New York City.
“Because 40% of bus passengers travel to New York City daily, and 72% of railway passengers are headed there, our primary task is to strengthen bus service to ensure our passengers reach their destinations,” Kolluri explained.
The second method is to establish four park-and-ride locations within New Jersey at Secaucus, Hamilton, Woodbridge, and PNC Center.
“Our hope and plan are to ensure transportation for essential workers, whether hotel staff, hospital nurses, etc.,” Kolluri said. “For those capable of working from home, if a strike becomes a reality, we urge them to work from home.”
According to the New Jersey Transit estimates, accepting the union’s demands would result in taxpayers and the transportation system losing approximately $1.4 billion from July 2030 to June 2031. Officials mentioned that the agency will either start increasing ticket prices by 17% from this summer, increase corporate transportation fees by 27%, or reduce services.
NJ Transit is one of the largest public transportation systems in the United States. The company operates over 925,000 trips daily across its rail, bus, and light rail systems.
Kolluri stated that in the next two weeks, he will continue to make every effort to reach an agreement with the union; the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen did not comment to the media.
NJ Transit Announcement Link:
[https://www.njtransit.com/press-releases/nj-transit-contingency-service-plan-possible-rail-stoppage](https://www.njtransit.com/press-releases/nj-transit-contingency-service-plan-possible-rail-stoppage)