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New Jersey Transit has extended the expiration dates for monthly passes and tickets affected by the recent engineers' strike. The strike, which began on Friday (May 16), ended with a tentative agreement on Sunday night (May 18), allowing trains to resume service on Tuesday (May 20). Tickets that expired between May 16 and May 19 will now be valid through Saturday (May 24).
The strike involved members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and was primarily over wage disputes. The agreement reached promises a wage increase, addressing the engineers' concerns about being underpaid compared to their counterparts in the region. Governor Phil Murphy described the deal as "fair and fiscally responsible," ensuring no fare hikes for passengers.
During the strike, NJ Transit implemented contingency plans, including additional bus services and park-and-ride options. The strike, which was the first in over 40 years for NJ Transit, highlighted the importance of the rail system to the state's transportation network. NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri expressed gratitude to customers for their patience and apologized for any inconvenience caused.
Looking ahead, the agreement still requires ratification by BLET members and approval by the NJ Transit Board. If ratified, it will end a prolonged period without a contract for the engineers, whose last agreement expired in 2019. State officials have emphasized the need for a resilient transit system to prevent future disruptions.