On Thursday, officials of the New Jersey Transit warned commuters that under its contingency plans for a rail strike, bus service would be able to transport less than 40 percent of its regular riders in New York City. The transportation network says the strike will happen on March 13 if unions walk off the job in 10 days over a long-running contract dispute.
Richard T. Hammer, the chairman of the board, said officials hoped to prevent any strikes. However, commuters between the states should be prepared for major disruptions in case a shutdown will occur. New York Times reported that Hammer stressed a rail stoppage will not just impact rail commuters, but will also have a 'severe effect' on travel in the whole region.
According to NJ News, if commuters have to drive, officials suggested they arrange car pools with co-workers as soon as possible. The officials also sent a request to the companies to allow their workers work remotely. Meanwhile, Port Authority officials said they are preparing for extra traffic at the agency's Staten Island Crossings and Hudson River. Highway maintenance work would then be suspended during peak hours and tow trucks would be on duty to clear any disable vehicle.
A shutdown could force an additional 10,000 vehicles per hour during peak hours, which then creates tail backs over 20 miles into New Jersey as riders squeeze through limited crossing points into Manhattan, says Reuters. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is hopeful that an agreement could be reached, although he would not 'give away the store' in negotiations with labor unions.
Rail unions and New Jersey Transit planned to meet with federal officials in Washington on Friday to discuss and reach a deal over workers' benefits and wages. Unions are requesting for a 2.5 percent annual pay rises in return for increases in workers' employee healthcare contributions, and that it is their final offer.
