If you’ve been following the ongoing back-and-forth between NJ TRANSIT and its engineers’ union, there’s a new twist to the saga: the tentative contract agreement that was reached just last month? It didn’t get the green light.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), the union representing NJ TRANSIT’s train operators, has voted not to ratify the proposed deal. That means, after years of negotiations—and one contract expiration dating all the way back to 2019—the two sides are heading back to the bargaining table.
NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri shared his thoughts in a press release, saying:
“I am disappointed that the tentative agreement was not ratified but respect the outcome of the vote. My focus remains on reaching a fair and sustainable agreement that works for everyone and ensures NJ TRANSIT can continue to provide the reliable service our customers count on. I believe a deal is still within reach, and I am committed to returning to the bargaining table immediately and meeting every day, for as long as it takes, to get it done.”
Translation? It’s not over yet—and everyone involved is still trying to avoid a full-blown disruption to service.
⏳ How We Got Here
Back in March 2025, NJ TRANSIT and the BLET announced a tentative agreement following years of stalled talks. The contract dispute stems from the expiration of the previous agreement in 2019. While details of the new deal weren’t made public, it was seen as a significant step toward labor peace—until this week’s vote threw a wrench in those plans.
🚌 About NJ TRANSIT
If you rely on NJ TRANSIT, you’re not alone. It’s the largest statewide public transportation system in the U.S., providing over 925,000 weekday trips across 263 bus routes, 12 commuter rail lines, 3 light rail lines, and paratransit service through Access Link. It’s also the third-largest transit system in the country, connecting people across New Jersey, New York, and Philly via 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stops, and more than 19,000 bus stops.
🚦 What Happens Next?
No immediate service changes have been announced, and both sides are saying they’re committed to keeping things on track—literally and figuratively. Still, with the agreement now rejected, negotiations will have to restart with urgency.
For daily commuters and occasional riders alike, this situation is one to watch. As always, keep an eye on NJ TRANSIT’s official channels for updates—especially if you’ve got travel plans on the rails coming up.
🚆 Bottom Line:
The deal didn’t pass, but the conversation isn’t over. With both NJ TRANSIT leadership and the union vowing to stay at the table, there’s still hope for resolution—and continued service for Jersey travelers who count on it every day.
Stick with Explore New Jersey on Wednesday for updates as this unfolds. We’ll keep you in the loop, minus the corporate lingo.
