TRENTON, N.J. (May 18, 2025) — After several days of disruption that affected thousands of commuters across New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy and NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri announced Sunday that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET)—bringing the statewide rail strike to an end.
Under the agreement, union members will return to work immediately, allowing weekday train service to resume on Tuesday, May 20, at the start of the regular service day.
“We are pleased to announce this tentative agreement, which reflects our commitment to resolving labor disputes in a fair and constructive manner,” said Governor Murphy. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding during this disruption.”
System-Wide Preparations Underway
As trains prepare to roll again, NJ TRANSIT crews are working around the clock to conduct final safety inspections of railcars and infrastructure, reposition trains and equipment, and close moveable bridges in anticipation of Tuesday’s restart.
“We are working diligently to restore service and ensure a safe and smooth transition back to regular operations,” said Kris Kolluri, NJ TRANSIT President & CEO.
To support commuters during the transition:
- Contingency bus service will remain available on Monday, May 19, from four regional Park & Ride locations.
- NJ TRANSIT customer ambassadors will be stationed at major hubs to help riders navigate travel options and answer questions.
Officials continue to encourage remote work on Monday and are urging commuters to limit travel to essential purposes until full train service resumes.
For real-time updates, alternate travel options, and contingency planning, riders are advised to visit www.njtransit.com/restart.
Union Vote Still Pending
While the tentative agreement has brought an immediate halt to the strike, final ratification by union members is still pending. However, both state officials and NJ TRANSIT leadership expressed confidence that the deal represents a meaningful step forward for labor relations and long-term system reliability.
Stay tuned to NJ TRANSIT’s official channels for the latest updates and rider alerts.
