WESTWOOD, N.J. (May 14, 2025)—A complete suspension of NJ TRANSIT rail service — including the Pascack Valley Line — could begin as early as Friday, May 16, following a breakdown in contract negotiations between NJ TRANSIT and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).
The BLET membership recently voted down a tentative agreement with NJ TRANSIT leadership, prompting the union to threaten a walkout that would immediately impact more than 350,000 daily riders. If enacted, the strike would halt all NJ TRANSIT rail lines, including Metro-North service west of the Hudson.
In response, NJ TRANSIT held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to outline its contingency plan, which aims to carry only 20% of current rail ridership — prioritizing the more than 70,000 daily commuters bound for New York City.
“All customers should prepare now for the possibility of a strike,” NJ TRANSIT officials said, urging riders to work from home if possible and limit travel to essential purposes only.
What Riders Need to Know
Should the strike occur, there will be no rail service beginning 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 16. Affected lines include the Pascack Valley Line, which serves towns throughout the Pascack Press coverage area.
While NJ TRANSIT buses and light rail will continue to operate on regular schedules, the agency warns that systemwide capacity is limited and congestion is likely.
To supplement service, NJ TRANSIT will offer limited Park & Ride options starting Monday, May 19, with weekday-only buses from four regional locations:
- Secaucus Junction → Port Authority Bus Terminal (6–9:30 a.m. / 3–7:30 p.m.)
- Hamilton Rail Station → Newark Penn Station PATH (5–9 a.m. / 3–7 p.m.)
- Woodbridge Center Mall → Harrison PATH Station (6–10 a.m. / 4–8 p.m.)
- PNC Bank Arts Center → Port Authority (5–8 a.m. / 3:30–7:30 p.m. via Academy Bus; note: NJT tickets not accepted)
These buses will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and passengers are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance where applicable. Academy Bus, operating the PNC route, is not accepting NJ TRANSIT passes.
In addition, select existing bus routes serving NYC will see increased capacity during peak hours. For Pascack Valley riders, that includes Routes 163, 164, and 165, which connect Bergen County to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Ticketing and Cross-Honoring
During the stoppage, NJ TRANSIT rail passes will be cross-honored on all NJ TRANSIT buses and light rail lines. However, Amtrak, PATH, MTA, ferries, and private carriers (including Academy Bus) will not honor NJ TRANSIT passes — separate fares will be required.
Customers are also advised to explore carpooling options through NJRideshare.com, as delays and heavy traffic are expected.
Where to Get Updates
As the situation remains fluid, NJ TRANSIT is encouraging all riders to check for real-time updates at www.njtransit.com/railstoppage or call 973-275-5555, a 24/7 customer service line.
Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo has amplified NJ TRANSIT’s warning to commuters, urging residents to make alternate plans. The call carries extra weight in Westwood, which brands itself the Hub of the Pascack Valley—a title earned through its central location at the intersection of two major county roads—Old Hook Road and Kinderkamack Road—and its busy NJ TRANSIT rail station, which has long served as a regional transit anchor. The station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, stands as a symbol of Westwood’s role in the Valley’s development and its enduring connection to commuter rail.