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NJ Transit Engineers Could Strike as Deadline Approaches

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Nj Transit Strike News

Trenton, N.J. — NJ Transit locomotive engineers are on the verge of being legally allowed to strike if a new contract with the agency is not finalized by midnight on March 22. This date marks the end of a federally mandated 60-day cooling-off period prompted by ongoing contract negotiations between the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and NJ Transit.

Both parties have acknowledged that discussions are ongoing, but with only a few days left before the deadline, the prospect of a strike looms large. The Brotherhood has expressed concerns regarding working conditions and compensation, while NJ Transit is trying to balance operational needs and budget constraints.

“We are hopeful that a resolution can be reached before the deadline,” said John O’Connor, a representative for the Brotherhood. “However, our members are also prepared to take action if necessary.”

In a related development, NJ Transit board members recently voted to award a $95 million contract to Academy Bus to operate local bus services in Middlesex County, despite past allegations of fraud against the company. This decision has raised eyebrows among concerned citizens and transportation advocates.

Andy Weiss, a local bus rider, argued against the contract during the board meeting, citing Academy’s troubled history. “Academy bus should never get more routes because of their terrible history,” Weiss said. “NJ Transit’s board should vote no and stop privatizing bus routes.”

This contract is the second awarded to Academy Express LLC following a settlement with New Jersey’s Attorney General’s Office in 2022 that aimed to enhance oversight of the company’s operations.

“We absolutely intend to make sure all the private folks are doing what they’re supposed to do,” NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri stated. “We will have the internal controls to ensure that Academy is providing the service as required.”

The board also emphasized that the contract includes specific monitoring requirements aimed at preventing future issues.

The $31 million PATH project aimed at improving services is reportedly at the halfway mark, with officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey promising timely completion by February 25. The project has temporarily closed Hoboken Terminal but is expected to enhance transit options upon its completion.

In anticipation of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory parade, the PATCO transit system will operate on a modified schedule to accommodate an expected surge in ridership. The express trains will run exclusively to Philadelphia from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on parade day, with return services resuming later in the day.

Legislators have also raised concerns regarding the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s recent contract awarded to TransCore, questioning the transparency surrounding the decision due to the company’s alleged ties to a Chinese corporate parent. State Sen. Joe Pennacchio urged Governor Phil Murphy to reconsider the contract over national security fears.

“Entrusting this sensitive information to a company with ties to foreign entities is an unacceptable risk,” Pennacchio stated in his letter to the Governor.

The contract has received bipartisan scrutiny, with U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew echoing similar concerns regarding the safeguarding of customer data through the E-ZPass system. “We cannot allow this to happen again,” he cautioned, referring to dangers posed by foreign interference.

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