Bloomfield Prepares For Potential NJ Transit Train Worker Strike

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield town officials have announced contingency plans if NJ Transit train engineers go on strike this week.

NJ Transit train service may stop as early as Friday due to failed contract negotiations between the agency and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. Wages and working conditions have been the main points holding up negotiations.

The strike would result in the complete suspension of rail service, including Metro-North west of Hudson service. Read More: These Are Your Options If NJ Transit Rail Strike Happens

Bloomfield is home to a large population of daily commuters who rely on NJ Transit train service. And if you're planning on taking the bus instead, you might want to have a backup plan in mind, town officials say.

“In the event of a rail shutdown, NJ Transit has indicated that its bus system would only be able to accommodate approximately 20 percent of current rail customers, due to limited capacity,” officials advised. “As such, the township encourages all residents who are able to work from home or avoid travel into New York City to do so for the duration of the potential strike.”

Township officials said they are planning to roll out a modified shuttle bus service to help residents connect with alternative transportation options.

According to a statement from the township:

“During the potential shutdown, the Bloomfield shuttle service—operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs—will be rerouted to bring commuters to the Grove Street Light Rail Station for connection to Newark Penn Station and the PATH Train into Manhattan. In an effort to further support the community, the township will temporarily waive the current $0.50 per ride cost for all riders, both existing and new, for the duration of the contingency service.”

More details regarding the temporary shuttle routes and schedules are expected to be announced Thursday, and will be posted on the township’s shuttle bus webpage.

“Bloomfield is home to thousands of hardworking commuters, and we know how disruptive a potential rail strike could be to daily life,” Mayor Jenny Mundell said.

“While we remain hopeful that NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers reach a fair agreement, we are not waiting to act,” Mundell continued. “Our team is putting contingency plans in place to support our residents with alternate transit options.”

For additional travel advisories, contingency plans, and customer service updates, residents are encouraged to visit the following NJ Transit resources:

• Alternate, Back-up and Contingency Plans | New Jersey Public Transportation Corporation
• RAIL SERVICE STOPPAGE INFORMATION | New Jersey Public Transportation Corporation
• Customer Service | New Jersey Public Transportation Corporation

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