Scroll Top

Caride Urges Prompt Resolution to Avoid Nightmare Scenario of NJ Transit Strike on Commuters & Roadways

(TRENTON) – Assembly Transportation & Independent Authorities Committee Vice-Chair Marlene Caride (D-Bergen/Passaic) today called on NJ Transit to resolve the ongoing contract dispute with rail workers and avoid a strike which will adversely affect commuters, worsen traffic on roadways and potentially hurt the state’s economy in the long run.


“A strike would be disruptive to commuters who rely on NJ Transit trains to get to work, wreak havoc on our roadways, which are already inundated, and make our notorious traffic woes even worse.

“NJ Transit’s strike contingency plan will only accommodate less than half of the residents who make the daily commute. While working from home may be an option for some, it may not be realistic for others. These folks are not going to New York City to sightsee; that’s where they make their living. It is a shame that those affected most by this impasse are stuck in the middle with no say or control in the matter.

“There are only a couple of days left to reach a resolution. I urge NJ Transit to find a way to work out this dispute, reach an agreement with the rail workers that is fair and mutually beneficial, and avoid the aggravation, frustration and economic losses that a strike would bring to the region and the state.”

NJ Transit and rail workers have until Sunday, March 13 to reach a new agreement. Otherwise, rail workers will go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. While NJ Transit has a contingency plan if the strike goes into effect, this plan would only accommodate less than half of the more than 100,000 commuters who take the trains into New York City on a daily basis. With public transportation options severely limited, more people will be driving into the city, which will affect traffic. Officials forecast congestion on highways as far as 9 to 25 miles away from the New York region, which means longer delays, especially at Hudson River crossings and known bottlenecks.