Peek Inside Hoboken Train Station Amid NJ Transit Strike: Photo Gallery

HOBOKEN, NJ — NJ Transit's rail engineers began striking at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

During the morning rush, the Hoboken train terminal, a hub for commuter trains from all over the state and New York City, was quiet. Picketers kept to an area south of the station, where buses enter. (The bus drivers are not striking.)

Signs held by the picketers said, "Millions for penthouse views, nothing for train crews."

READ MORE: 27-Story Tower To Rise Near Hoboken Train Station

Contract negotiations between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen failed this week, forcing commuters to make contingency plans.

Operators of other transit modes in New Jersey, such as ferries and PATH train, said they would increase rides.

On Friday, a few bus drivers honked when passing the picketers. Inside the Hoboken Train Terminal, police directed travelers. The signs displaying train times told people to check the schedule.

Hoboken's bus stops seemed no more crowded than usual. Officials had encouraged employers to let New Jersey commuters work from home.

Train service to MetLife stadium for the Shakira concerts on Friday and Saturday has been canceled. In future weeks, the Weekend and Beyonce are set to appear.

Rideshare services may be an option, but Uber sent a note to customers Wednesday night saying they should expect more demand and higher prices. "Due to the potential NJ Transit strike which could take effect as early as Friday, we are expecting significantly higher demand for Uber rides across New Jersey, especially during large-scale events that will take place at MetLife Stadium," they noted.

NY Waterway ferry, which operates between Hudson and Bergen counties and Manhattan, says it will increase rides if there's a strike.

State Sen. And Union City Mayor Brian Stack said Friday, "Thousands of New Jerseyans are facing real financial hardship simply because they cannot get to work. This is not just an inconvenience, it is a growing crisis affecting livelihoods and well-being across our state. I strongly urge NJ TRANSIT and the locomotive engineers’ union to return to the negotiating table without delay."

Check for updates and see a map of supplemental bus service at www.njtransit.com/railstoppage.