Uber Preparing Drivers, Riders For Possible N.J. Transit Strike

Ride-sharing company Uber, which allows drivers to use their own vehicles to transport passengers, is calling on its New Jersey customers to be prepared – and take advantage of – an impending New Jersey Transit strike.

The strike would take effect if New Jersey Transit and its more than 4,000 union employees can’t come to terms on a new contract before 12:01 a.m. Sunday, March 13. By Monday, New Jersey Transit projected, more than 100,000 New Jersey to New York commuters would be impacted and left without rail service.

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• N.J. Transit Strike Wouldn't Be First, But Would Be Worst

Uber has reached out to its New Jersey customers, both riders and drivers, with tips on how to best beat the traffic and earn extra cash.

In an email to registered drivers, Uber said, “Be online starting Monday morning, March 14th, to take advantage of very high demand and earnings.”

It pointed to the areas of Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City, Weehawken, Edgewater, Fort Lee, Newark and Newark Airport as the best places to be for high demand.

The company also asked its riders to consider “Fare Splitting” due to the increased demand.

“In the event of an NJ Transit rail strike this Sunday, your commute will be anything but normal come Monday morning,” wrote to its users. “To #KeepNJMoving, we’re encouraging you to share your ride with neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family if possible.”

If the strike does begin, New Jersey Transit is employing five regional park-and-ride centers across the state to help commuters get into New York City. Those buses will only run for four hours in the morning and four hours in the evening – during peak travel times – and will be able to accommodate approximately only 38-percent of its normal customer base.

Pictured: A map showing Uber’s projected ‘high demand’ areas in the event of a New Jersey Transit strike. Photo Courtesy Uber