Explore New Jersey — After a tense and disruptive three-day rail strike, New Jersey commuters finally have some good news. NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) have reached a tentative labor agreement, paving the way for the full restoration of rail service across the state starting Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Governor Phil Murphy announced the breakthrough Sunday evening, emphasizing that while this resolution is welcome, it was anything but guaranteed. The agreement reflects a mutual commitment to responsible negotiation and ensures that nearly 100,000 daily rail commuters can once again rely on one of the region’s most essential transportation networks.
A Return to Normalcy – What Commuters Can Expect
NJ Transit rail operations are scheduled to fully resume at the beginning of the service day on Tuesday. In the meantime, NJ Transit will spend the next 24 hours conducting mandatory safety inspections, repositioning equipment, and ensuring that movable bridges and infrastructure are fully operational and ready for normal service.
On Monday, May 19, 2025, NJ Transit will continue to operate its contingency Park & Ride bus service from four major regional locations to assist those who still need to get to work. These services are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will run only during peak travel hours. All existing rail tickets and passes will be accepted on these routes.
You can plan ahead and find detailed contingency travel options here: Explore NJ Transit Travel Planning
Park & Ride Bus Service – May 19, 2025
Inbound Morning Service to NYC and PATH (Weekdays Only):
| Pickup Location | Drop-Off Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Secaucus Junction Bus Plaza | Port Authority Bus Terminal | 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
| PNC Arts Center, Holmdel (Operated by Academy Bus) | Port Authority Bus Terminal | 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Hamilton Rail Station | Newark Penn Station (for PATH Transfer) | 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Woodbridge Center Mall (adjacent to Sears) | Harrison PATH Station | 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
Outbound Evening Service from NYC and PATH:
| Pickup Location | Drop-Off Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Port Authority Bus Terminal | Secaucus Junction | 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Port Authority Bus Terminal (Academy) | PNC Arts Center | 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Newark Penn Station | Hamilton Rail Station | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Harrison PATH Station | Woodbridge Center Mall | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
There will be no service outside of these hours, nor any weekend or reverse-commute options.
Fare Information and Discounts
To support impacted travelers, NJ Transit is offering discounted fares from the Park & Ride locations. Tickets can be purchased through the NJ Transit mobile app or Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), with additional savings for seniors, disabled passengers, and children. Academy Bus passengers can check their ticketing options at academybus.com.
Sample Fares (Round Trip):
- Secaucus to NYC: $8.00 adult | $3.50 senior/disabled/child
- Woodbridge Mall to Harrison PATH: $14.00 adult | $7.00 reduced
- Hamilton to Newark Penn: $24.00 adult | $12.00 reduced
- PNC Arts Center to NYC: $48.00 adult | $24.00 reduced (Academy fare)
Visit Explore NJ Travel Planning to help plan your route and check current ticketing details.
Leadership Statements: A Focus on Fairness and Fiscal Responsibility
Governor Murphy praised both NJ Transit and the BLET for staying at the table during difficult negotiations. “We have reached a fair and fiscally responsible contract settlement that provides a generous wage increase for BLET members while avoiding fare increases for riders,” Murphy said.
NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of putting customers first: “Our engineers deserve fair compensation, and our riders deserve affordable, reliable transit. We worked hard to achieve both.”
Fran O’Connor, Chairman of the NJ Transit Board and NJDOT Commissioner, also underscored the larger implications of the strike. “This situation showed how vital our rail infrastructure is to the broader New Jersey transportation ecosystem. Getting it back online is a huge win for the entire state.”
What Happens Next
Though the agreement is still pending ratification by union members and approval by NJ Transit’s Board of Directors, both parties have agreed to pause the strike and resume service while the formalities are processed. The actual terms of the deal remain confidential until the ratification process concludes.
NJ Transit has already begun prepping infrastructure, realigning trains, and mobilizing staff for a smooth reentry into full operations.
Stay Updated
NJ Transit encourages riders to check for real-time updates across platforms:
- Web: njtransit.com/restart
- Mobile Alerts: Sign up via My Transit
- Social Media: @NJTRANSIT on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube
Multilingual support is also available on the NJ Transit website by clicking “Select Language” on the homepage.
Explore New Jersey – With Confidence Again
For the thousands of commuters and travelers who rely on NJ Transit every day, this news comes as a major relief. As New Jersey reopens its railways, Explore New Jersey is here to help you navigate the state’s vast and vibrant destinations—stress-free.
From day trips to city getaways, we make travel planning easy. Check out the latest routes, attractions, and local gems here: Explore New Jersey Travel Planning
Let’s get back on track—together.
Explore New Jersey: Your Gateway to the Garden State.