If your morning involves packing lunchboxes, finding lost sneakers, and timing the NJ Transit schedule just right, the thought of a rail strike might feel like one more curveball in an already hectic day. For many New Jersey parents trying to juggle school drop-offs and office commutes, the looming NJ Transit strike threatens more than delays—it disrupts routines, livelihoods, and precious time with little ones. But amidst the uncertainty, there’s hope: contingency plans are in place, alternative options exist, and with a little preparation, you can still navigate these changes while keeping your preschooler’s world steady and calm.
MAPLEWOOD — As tensions escalate between NJ Transit and the union representing its 450 locomotive engineers, a potential rail strike looms large on the horizon, set to begin as early as May 16. At stake: the daily routines of 350,000 commuters, many of them working parents who depend on reliable rapid transit to juggle professional duties and parenting responsibilities. The agency has been without a finalized contract with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen for six years, and recent salary disputes have pushed negotiations to a breaking point.
Kris Kolluri, NJ Transit president and CEO, says while he doesn’t want a strike, the agency is preparing to implement an emergency bus plan that will cost $4 million per day and only serve about 20% of typical train riders. Four park-and-ride pickup locations—Secaucus Junction, PNC Bank Arts Center, Hamilton Rail Station, and Woodbridge Center Mall—are slated to operate during peak hours starting May 19. Even with services brokered through Academy Express and TMS Logistics, Kolluri admits buses cannot match the scale or speed of rail travel.
“We’re focusing on getting essential workers to their jobs safely and efficiently,” Kolluri told reporters. The contingency network centers around access to key hubs like the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Newark Penn Station, and Harrison PATH, with NJ Transit urging office-based workers to stay home to free up seats. Commuters heading to the New York Mets game or Newark Liberty International Airport could face steep challenges if the strike materializes, as transit alternatives remain limited and demand is expected to spike.
Union representatives argue their engineers are underpaid compared to peers in neighboring transit services like Amtrak. While NJ Transit claims average engineer earnings are $135,000 including overtime, the union asserts base pay is just $89,000, and they haven’t seen a raise since 2019. NJ Transit says the union’s request would raise fares by 17% and boost the corporate transit fee by 27%. Tom Haas, a union leader, counters that the real figure is more modest, and claims engineers are leaving for better-paying jobs elsewhere.
Parents and caregivers, already stretched thin balancing family needs and work, are expressing frustration at the prospect of further disruptions. “It already went up. They should stop making it go up,” said one commuter reacting to the threat of fare increases. Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “In this economy, we don’t need more hikes.” With NJ Transit asking riders to buy daily instead of monthly passes and prepare for potential delays, the agency has also posted QR-coded signs at stations to keep the public informed.
The last major NJ Transit strike occurred in 1983 and lasted more than a month. With that history in mind, many families are looking ahead with concern but also cautious optimism. Officials stress that this strike is not inevitable, and negotiations are ongoing. Parents are advised to consider carpooling, adjusting work hours, or leaning into hybrid schedules where possible.
Data Table: NJ Transit Contingency Bus Plan (If Strike Begins May 16)
| Pickup Location | Destination | AM Hours | PM Return Hours |
| Secaucus Junction | Port Authority (Manhattan) | 6–9:30 AM | 3–7:30 PM |
| PNC Bank Arts Center | Port Authority (Manhattan) | 5–8 AM | 3:30–7:30 PM |
| Hamilton Rail Station | Newark Penn Station (PATH transfer) | 5–9 AM | 3–7 PM |
| Woodbridge Center Mall | Harrison PATH Station | 6–10 AM | 4–8 PM |
When could the NJ Transit strike begin?
The strike could begin as early as May 16, 2025, if negotiations between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen fail.
How many riders would be affected by the strike?
Approximately 350,000 daily passengers rely on NJ Transit’s rail service and could be impacted.
Will any replacement transportation be available during the strike?
Yes. NJ Transit has a contingency bus plan in place, with service operating during peak hours from four park-and-ride locations. However, the buses will only accommodate about 20% of regular rail riders.
What are the main bus pickup and drop-off points in the contingency plan?
Secaucus Junction → Port Authority Bus Terminal (NYC)
PNC Bank Arts Center → Port Authority Bus Terminal (NYC)
Hamilton Rail Station → Newark Penn Station (PATH transfer)
Woodbridge Center Mall → Harrison PATH Station
What are the peak travel hours for contingency buses?
Morning pickups run between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM; evening returns operate between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on location.
Can I still use my monthly NJ Transit pass?
Riders are encouraged to buy daily tickets during May. Monthly passes will be cross-honored at designated park-and-ride locations if the strike begins.
Why is there a dispute between NJ Transit and the engineers?
The union is asking for wage increases, stating that NJ Transit engineers earn less than peers at other railroads like Amtrak. NJ Transit argues the requested raises would require fare increases of 17% and a 27% rise in corporate transit fees.
What can parents who rely on NJ Transit do to prepare?
Consider remote work if possible.
Carpool with other parents or coworkers.
Explore alternatives like PATH, Amtrak, ferries, or buses.
Stay informed by scanning QR codes at stations for the latest updates.
Parenting Takeaways:
• Plan ahead but stay flexible—Knowing your transit options, including bus routes and ferry services, can help reduce daily stress.
• Use the disruption as a teaching moment—Explain to your child how adults solve problems and adapt to challenges.
• Preserve routine where possible—Keeping drop-off, mealtime, and bedtime steady provides comfort when everything else feels uncertain.
• Take care of yourself too—Your resilience and calm help shape how your preschooler handles change. It’s okay to ask for help from your community or lean on digital tools during tough weeks.
No matter how the NJ Transit negotiations unfold, parents can navigate the turbulence with compassion, creativity, and calm—modeling the very skills we hope to pass on to our children.
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