Disclaimer: This is an ongoing story, and new developments may arise. The information provided is based on currently available sources. Readers are encouraged to stay informed through official statements.

For many people, public transportation is more than just a way to get to work—it’s how they stay connected to family, make medical appointments, or simply move through daily life.

So when service grinds to a halt, the impact can be felt in every part of the day.

That’s what happened late last week when engineers walked off the job, leaving commuters scrambling for alternatives.

And while a deal has finally been reached, Monday’s commute may still be far from normal—especially for riders in New Jersey.


The strike began just after midnight on Friday and was the first in decades for the region’s rail service.

Around 400 engineers stopped working after contract negotiations hit a wall, leading to widespread delays.

Tens of thousands of commuters were left searching for last-minute travel options—many of them older adults who depend on transit for essential daily activities.


After two days of negotiations, the transit agency and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen reached a tentative agreement on Sunday.

Union leaders said the deal includes a much-needed pay raise for engineers, who hadn’t received one in five years.

They also noted that they worked with management to improve wages without putting too much strain on the transit system’s budget or requiring a fare hike—changes they believe will help with long-term staffing and reliability.


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So, is the strike officially over?

Yes—but NJ trains still won’t be running on Monday.

Although initial updates hinted that regular service might resume in time for the workweek, union officials later clarified that operations won’t start until 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

According to NJ Transit, the extra time is necessary for safety checks and to prepare tracks, trains, and infrastructure for service.

What should riders expect Monday?

If you’re planning to travel Monday, it’s best to prepare for delays and crowded alternatives:

• No regular train service Monday: Full service resumes Tuesday. Expect buses and other options to be busier than usual.
• Plan for traffic and longer travel times: With more riders using cars, carpools, or buses, congestion is likely.
• Use reliable sources for updates: Check the NJ Transit app or local news stations for real-time service alerts.

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Why did the strike happen?

Labor disagreements are common in public transit systems, but this one caused major disruption.

Engineers had not received a raise in years and were pushing for better compensation and working conditions.

NJ Transit had indicated that wage concerns were close to resolution by Thursday, but the contract’s structure still needed to be finalized.

The agency’s CEO, Kris Kolluri had advised riders to work from home on Friday, and bus services were expanded to ease the strain, but confusion and disruption continued through the weekend.

Though talks on Saturday were described as “constructive,” the final agreement wasn’t reached until Sunday.

For seniors and other vulnerable riders, these sudden service changes aren’t just inconvenient—they can be truly isolating.



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What’s next for commuters?

With a deal in place, Governor Phil Murphy is expected to share more details about the agreement.

Riders, however, are still left wondering if this contract will help prevent future disruptions and make the system more dependable.

Here are a few ways you can stay ahead of future delays:

• Know your options: Familiarize yourself with bus routes, ride-shares, or carpool arrangements.
• Sign up for alerts: Stay informed with real-time updates from your transit provider.
• Speak up: Let local leaders know how important reliable transit is—especially in states like New Jersey, where many communities depend on it every day.

Whether you rely on public transit every day or only once in a while, disruptions like this remind us how important reliable service truly is.

As the trains prepare to roll again, many are hoping this new deal marks the start of smoother commutes ahead.



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Did you find yourself rerouting your plans or helping someone else get where they needed to go? Share your story in the comments—your experience may help a fellow rider the next time service hits a bump!