Expect Rideshare Difficulties Due To NJ Transit Strike, Uber Warns

NEW JERSEY — As customers consider alternate transportation modes due to the NJ Transit strike, one rideshare company said its prices may rise and there may be longer waits, including for upcoming MetLife concerts.

(UPDATE: NJ Transit posted a note shortly after 12:01 a.m. Friday saying their rail service was suspended. Click here for updates.)

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 may increase rides.

Rideshare services may be an option, but Uber sent a note to customers Wednesday night saying they should keep a few things in mind.

Beyonce And Shakira May Be Impacted

"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. "We are doing everything we can to make sure rides are available during this time, but your Uber experience may be impacted."

Shakira, Beyonce, and The Weekend, respectively, are coming to the venue over the next three weeks. The weekend of June 16 will include a FIFA World Cup game.

The rideshare company said they will "work to keep New Jersey moving," but:

• You may experience longer wait times and higher prices than usual, especially during peak times.
• We recommend that you plan ahead, consider earlier departures, share with friends by adding multiple pick ups and/or destinations, and that you check the Uber app regularly for updates on pricing and availability.
• During major disruptions like this, surge pricing may occur. Surge pricing is a critical tool that encourages increased driver availability and helps to ensure people can get a ride when they need one most.

Other Events, Other Options

Earlier this week, Hoboken's mayor gave advice to area residents on how transportation and this weekend's Hoboken Arts and Music Festival could be affected by an NJ Transit strike.

He also noted that planned work on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system over the weekend may take some areas out of service. In addition, construction on anti-flooding measures has closed part of Jersey Avenue, a road through Jersey City leading to Hoboken.

The Arts and Music Festival will still proceed Sunday, but Bhalla encouraged attendees to carpool or use other modes of transportation, due to a potential lack of parking. READ MORE: 9 Musicians Will Perform At Hoboken Art And Music Festival

NY Waterway Ferries And More Updates

The PATH trains, which run among Newark, Harrison, Jersey City, Hoboken, and Manhattan, are run by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and will still operate.

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

Read prior reporting here: Hoboken Mayor Says Arts Festival Will Be Impacted By Transit Strike

As of Thursday at noon, NJ Transit was still advising customers to prepare for a possible strike Check for updates at www.njtransit.com/railstoppage.