Maplewood Prepares For Potential NJ Transit Train Worker Strike

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood 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

For travel advisories, contingency plans, and customer service updates, check out 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

Maplewood 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: NJ Transit's current plan states that bus service will only cover about 20 percent of normal train ridership.

Maplewood Township is preparing the following alternate transit options, officials said:

Maplewood jitneys (reduced service) will connect to/from the South Orange train station, connecting commuters to the 107 Express Bus with service to Port Authority Bus Terminal. Jitney service will only be provided to/from the South Orange train station, service will not be provided to/from the Maplewood train station.

• Maplewood Jitney reduced service jitney schedules can be found here: https://www.maplewoodnj.gov/residents/contingency-planning-for-nj-transit-rail-strike
• NJ Transit enhanced 107 express bus service will be provided from 5:30 am to 9:30 am and from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, weekdays only.
• Maplecrest/Hilton and Elmwood/Parker jitneys will drop-off/pick-up from South Orange train station, exact location TBD. Residents can walk to/from the 107 bus stop on Sloan St. at 2nd St.
• Wyoming jitney will drop-off/pick-up from SOPAC, on the west side of the South Orange train station. Residents can walk to/from the 107 bus stop on Sloan St. at 2nd St.
• NJ Transit enhanced peak period express service on the 107 bus – standard schedule can be found here: https://content.njtransit.com/sites/default/files/bus_schedules/T0107.pdf
• NJ Transit rail pass or cash fare is required. Drivers do not make change.

SPRINGFIELD AVENUE

Springfield Ave NJ Transit bus service to Newark Penn Station via the 25/375:

• Runs between Newark Penn and Millburn Ave./Cypress St.
• Travels along Springfield Ave., stopping at Laurel Ave., Indiana St., Princeton St., Rutgers St., Burnett Ave., and Boyden Ave.
• The 375 bus is express to Newark Penn Station, the 25 bus is local to Newark Penn Station.
• NJ Transit 25/375 bus schedule can be found here: https://content.njtransit.com/...
• NJ Transit rail pass or cash fare is required. Drivers do not make change.
• Change at Newark Penn for PATH 33rd or WTC, or connect to 108 bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal.
• It is not recommended to take the 70 bus from Springfield Ave., as it takes a longer route to Newark Penn.

BOXCAR

Boxcar, a private bus carrier, operates their South Mountain bus service between Maplewood train station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal:

• Boxcar is considering providing emergency bus service, including here in Maplewood and South Orange. To gauge interest in this service, Boxcar asks residents complete a poll provided on their rail strike website, which can be found here: https://strikeclock.com/
• Since jitney service is not provided to the Maplewood train station, Maplewood residents are permitted to park in the Resident Commuter Only parking areas, for the duration of the rail strike.
• Boxcar also provides regular bus service from the Maplewood train station.
• Boxcar’s website can be found here: https://www.boxcar.com/

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