The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
The leaders of NJ Transit and its rail unions warned anyone planning to ride trains Saturday night to be home by midnight or make alternate plans, since a lockout or strike could start as early as 12:01 a.m. Sunday.
New Jersey Transit and rail worker unions on Tuesday were closer to a contract agreement to head off a strike than they were a day earlier, a union official said. Associated Press Read more
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
In negotiations Friday, NJ Transit and its rail unions came closer to reaching an agreement in their contract dispute than they have in the last five years, said union leader Steve Burkert. But the two sides still did not settle on a package of pay and health benefits for the agency’s 4,200 rail workers.
The two sides met for negotiations at the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C. It was the latest round of sometimes-contentious talks that have stretched on for five years. Talks will continue in Newark on Monday, Burkert said.
“We’re getting closer,” said Burkert, general chairman of the United Transportation Union Local 60 and a spokesman for the coalition of 11 unions involved in the talks. “We both gave a little bit on everything. It was a civil and productive meeting.”
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
After five years of occasionally hostile negotiations, NJ Transit and its rail unions will meet on March 4 at the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C., both sides confirmed Friday. The gathering is one last attempt to avert a strike that could cripple transportation across the region’s.
“The National Mediation Board called a meeting, and NJT will attend,” said Nancy Snyder, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit.
The sides remain far apart. From the unions’ perspective, NJ Transit’s offer of a modest wage increase would be wiped out by significantly higher health insurance costs for workers.
February 22, 2016 8:52 PM
RAMSEY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — NJ TRANSIT commuters are preparing for the worst if a strike happens next month.
Commuters tell 1010 WINS’ Glenn Schuck that nerves about a possible walkout are starting to set in.
“Just like anything else, you just have to get to the table and hash it out, working around the clock and avoid those last-minute negotiations that keep everybody biting their fingernails to the morning of,” one person told 1010 WINS.
Another commuter was concerned about the bus capacity.
“The bus doesn’t run as efficiently,” he said. “It could get crowded and it definitely could affect people.”
At NJ TRANSIT’s board meeting earlier this month, the head of the union that represents conductors said more than a dozen unions affected by the contract negotiations have authorized a strike if necessary.
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/02/22/commuters-nj-transit-strike/
By Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 20, 2016 at 8:40 AM, updated February 20, 2016 at 11:17 AM
NJ Transit’s interim boss sharply criticized a federal labor panels recommendations to settle a contract with union rail workers, calling the proposal for “platinum level” health benefits “unreasonable and excessive.”
In a reply to nine members of Congress, who wrote him on Feb. 17, urging a settlement to avoid a possible strike, Dennis Martin, interim executive director reiterated that the agency and riders can’t afford the cost of a settlement endorsed by a second Presidential Emergency Board.
A federal cooling off period ends on March 13 and union rail workers can strike or management can lock them out. The unions have been working without a new contract since 2011. Talks were held as recently as Wednesday and a tentative negotiation session is scheduled for next week.
In it’s letter, members of the delegation said “NJ Transit should seriously consider the Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 249 proposal, authored by a neutral panel of independent arbitrators, as a path forward.” They also suggested the agency could use federal funds to pay for a settlement.
Martin, in his reply letter, dated Friday, told the lawmakers NJ Transit can’t tap into money from the recently authorized federal transportation funding legislation to pay for a settlement, as the lawmakers suggested.
That money is available for capital construction projects, not for regular operating expenses “such as the exorbitant wages and benefits recommended by the PEB,” Martin wrote. “Addressing the underlying unreasonableness of the excessive level and cost of the platinum level health benefits recommended by the PEB is what is required.”
https://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/02/nj_transit_boss_blasts_federal_strike_settlement_p.html
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Independent investigators found problems with how NJ Transit runs a $100 million program to improve weather resilience after Superstorm Sandy, problems that could lead to waste, fraud and abuse, according to the state treasurer’s office.
But what those problems are — and how NJ Transit should fix them — remain unknown because the agency has declined to make the findings public, violating a state law intended to ensure transparency, say legislators.
“It certainly violates the law,” John Wisniewski, chairman of the Assembly’s transportation committee and a co-sponsor of the law, said when he learned of NJ Transit’s decision not to release the records. “It’s more than just wrong. It’s outrageous. You can’t help but wonder: What are they hiding?”
By Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 10, 2016 at 11:58 AM, updated February 11, 2016 at 7:50 AM
Rail unions officials said today that their members have authorized a strikeagainst NJ Transit, but are hoping the agency returns to the bargaining table.
“We are certainly hopeful that NJ Transit gets back to the negotiating table,” said Stephen Burkert, general chairman of the SMART Union transportation division, which represents conductors. “We have no official date.”
Members of 17 rail unions have taken a vote and the result was “100 percent” to strike.
An increase in medical premiums that would negate a wage increase, recommended by a federal labor board, is among the major hurdles, he said.
Another negotiating session has been scheduled, said Dennis Martin, interim NJ Transit executive director. Burkert said the unions haven’t been notified of a date for new talks.
The unions have been working without a contract for five years. The unions are looking at a proposal that calls for an 800 percent increase in health insurance premiums and an overall 6 percent pay raise, which Burkert said means workers would pay between $400 and $700 a month.
“We’ve done everything in our power to avert a strike,” Burkert said. “Half of our coalition members would take a pay cut on day one (of a new contract).”
NJ Transit insiders said earlier this month that there was a 75 to 85 percent likelihood of a “soft strike” over the weekend of March 12.
FEBRUARY 5, 2016, 7:00 PM LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016, 12:34 AM
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Both NJ Transit and its unions are preparing for a train shutdown on March 13 that would cripple the region’s transportation network, the sides confirmed on Friday. Threat of a strike by the unions or a lockout by NJ Transit is the latest escalation in a five-year dispute that leaves the two sides far apart on workers’ pay and health insurance benefits.
“Prepare yourself economically,” the New Jersey Transit Rail Coalition told its 4,200 members in a newsletter issued Friday. “At 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, every union on New Jersey Transit will strike if no agreement is reached.”
“NJ Transit is actively involved in developing a robust alternative service plan in the event the unions call a strike,” said Dennis Martin, NJ Transit’s interim executive director. “We are working with our regional partners, including NJDOT, to provide as much service as possible to our customers.”
A shutdown would make it incredibly difficult for people in New Jersey and New York City to travel and get to work, said David Peter Alan, chairman of the Lackawanna Coalition, a transit advocacy group.
“I think it’s very likely” that a strike will happen, Alan said. “It would be a disaster.”
NJ TRANSIT will begin restoring service as follows with a gradual buildup of service during the day.
· Bus
o Customers can expect service delays and detours due to local road conditions. As such, customers should afford themselves ample time to reach their final destinations.
Click Here for North Jersey bus service information by route. (Click Here will link to pdf with route numbers and service)
Light Rail
Newark Light Rail – will resume service at 11:00 AM and operate on a modified Sunday schedule with trains running on a normal Sunday frequency. Trains will run between Grove Street and Newark Penn Station and between Broad Street and Newark Penn Station.
River LINE – will resume service at 11:00 AM and operate a regular Sunday schedule from Trenton ending at 36th Street in Camden. No service to Walter Rand Transportation Center and points south
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail – will resume service at 11:00 AM and operate a normal weekend schedule.
Commuter Rail
Morris & Essex Line – will begin operating a regular weekend schedule starting with the 12:05 p.m. out of Dover and the 12:12 p.m. out of Hoboken. NOTE: Midtown Direct trains will run into Manhattan following the regular weekend schedule.
Main/Bergen Line – will begin operating a regular weekend schedule starting with the 12:19 p.m. out of Hoboken bound for Waldwick and the 12:25 p.m. out of Hoboken bound for Suffern. Trains will depart Suffern at 1:06 p.m. and Waldwick at 1:27 p.m. heading for Hoboken.
Montclair Boonton Line – will begin operating a regular weekend schedule starting with the 12:10 p.m. out of Hoboken to Bay Street and the 1;00 p.m. departure from Bay Street to Hoboken.
Pascack Valley Line – will begin operating a regular weekend schedule starting with the 1:58 p.m. departure from Spring Valley to Hoboken.
Northeast Corridor – Poised to resume service from Trenton pending Amtrak approval to operate from Morrisville
North Jersey Coast Line – Poised to resume service upon Amtrak’s clearing of the switches at Union interlocking
Raritan Valley Line – Poised to resume service upon the clearing of switches at Aldene (Conrail) and Hunter (Amtrak) interlockings
Atlantic City Rail Line – Poised to resume service upon Amtrak’s repair of Shore interlocking
Southern Tier Service – Poised to resume Southern Tier service pending completion of Metro North’s inspections
· Access Link:
o Service remains suspended today. Reservations for trips on Access Link can be made later today (stay tuned for specific time).
System-wide Cross-Honoring Remains in Effect:
To give customers additional travel options, NJ TRANSIT will continue to offer full system wide cross-honoring through Sunday, January 24, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode–rail, light rail or bus. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT bus, rail, light rail and bus passes will be cross-honored on private carrier buses.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, With the latest winter storm moving toward the region, NJ TRANSIT operations, customer service and police personnel are taking steps to minimize delays, and ensure service reliability and safety due to the approaching winter storm. All customers are strongly advised to check njtransit.com before traveling for up-to-the-minute service information before starting their trip.
Customers who would like to contact NJ TRANSIT can click on “Contact Us” on the homepage.
Customers are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution traveling in and around all transit facilities and when boarding or alighting buses and trains due to the expected icy conditions.
Systemwide Cross-Honoring in Effect on January 23 and January 24:
To give customers additional travel options during the expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full system-wide cross-honoring beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, light rail or bus—including private bus carriers.
For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal may use their bus pass or ticket on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station. Similarly, customers who normally take the bus between Atlantic City and Lindenwold may use the Atlantic City Rail Line instead at no additional charge. Customers using their tickets or passes to travel to a destination other than the destination printed on their original ticket will be subject to the appropriate additional fare if applicable.
NJ TRANSIT will also continue to closely monitor the crowds at New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal and make adjustments to service as necessary.
The corporation is preparing to minimize disruptions and delays to the extent possible. Rail and light rail crews and equipment are on standby to quickly respond to downed trees, power outages or other issues that may arise. In addition, NJ TRANSIT will be positioning locomotives at strategic locations across the rail system to rapidly respond in the event of a disabled train.
Customers are advised of the following:
Systemwide: NJ TRANSIT plans to operate a regular weekend schedule on Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24. Depending on the impact of the storm, it may be necessary for NJ TRANSIT to modify service as conditions change.
Bus Service: While every effort will be made to continue operating bus service throughout the state, customers may experience delays or detours on their routes in the event of extreme winter weather conditions. Customers are advised to plan accordingly and anticipate disruptions to bus service.
Access Link Service: This service will be suspended for Saturday, January 23, and will have a delayed start time of noon on Sunday, January 24.
Travel Advice:
For the latest travel information, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJTRANSIT prior to starting your trip. In the event of delays or service adjustments, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
Stairs, flooring and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or NJ TRANSIT staff.
If you park, ensure your car is stocked with a snow brush and ice scraper so you can clear your car upon returning to the lot.
NJ TRANSIT is prepared to handle the impending winter weather:
Snow plows and salt spreaders are ready for service and snow-removal contracts are in place with outside vendors.
NJ TRANSIT is well-stocked with 20,000 bags of snow-melting supplies, and hundreds of shovels and snow blowers.
NJ TRANSIT has performed maintenance and testing on its two rail-mounted jet snow blowers in the event they are needed to help clear train tracks of snow and ice, particularly in rail yards.
More than 750 rail switches, switch heaters and overhead wires have already been inspected as part of NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program.
Onboard heating systems, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components have been inspected on NJ TRANSIT railcars, light rail cars and locomotives.
Bus maintenance personnel have inspected and performed necessary maintenance on a fleet of nearly 2,200 buses – from the heating and airbrake systems, to the engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers and doors.
Alcohol ban strictly enforced system-wide
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is offering extra service for travelers attending New Year’s Eve festivities across the region. Please note that no alcoholic beverages will be permitted on board trains, light rail vehicles, buses or in any NJ TRANSIT facility. This policy will be strictly enforced by the NJ TRANSIT Police Department on New Year’s Eve and after midnight.
On New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, rail service will operate on a weekday schedule with the following modifications:
Before 6 p.m., the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Lines will operate on a modified weekday schedule with certain morning peak period trains cancelled and additional mid-to-late morning service on each line. Extra mid-day Midtown Direct service will also operate between Summit and New York.
After 6 p.m., additional New York-bound trips will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast and Morris & Essex lines. In addition, all trains that normally depart New York and Hoboken between 11:30 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. will be cancelled to support later service to customers returning from New York’s festivities. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details, including special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning. For more information, click HERE.
Bus schedules vary by route. Customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information. Selected routes will operate on special holiday schedules, available on njtransit.com, to match service with ridership demand, including early getaway service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Jersey City Waterfront between noon and 4 p.m. to accommodate the heaviest travel, with less frequent service during the peak periods and later in the evening due to lower ridership. Early getaway service will also operate from the Jersey City waterfront on the No. 64 and No. 68 bus routes. In the evening, additional service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal will be offered on selected routes from approximately 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. to accommodate customers traveling to New York for the festivities. For more information, click HERE.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Newark Light Rail and River Line will operate on a weekday schedule.
In addition, River Line will operate extended late-night service on New Year’s Eve and after midnight on New Year’s Day to accommodate customers attending the festivities on the Camden Waterfront. Special late-night trains will operate between Camden and Trenton, making all local stops. For more information, click HERE.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will also operate added late-night service on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day to accommodate travelers returning home from midnight celebrations. For more information for HBLR service, click HERE.
IMPORTANT NOTE: No alcoholic beverages will be permitted on board trains, light rail vehicles, aboard buses or in any NJ TRANSIT facility on New Year’s Eve and after midnight on New Year’s Day. This policy will be strictly enforced.
After midnight (early January 1), additional late-night trains will operate on most rail lines with one-seat ride service available on certain Raritan Valley Line and North Jersey Coast Line trains. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details, including special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning. Expanded bus service will be provided from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) until approximately 2 a.m. on selected routes. Visit njtransit.com for details.
On New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, after 5 a.m., trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule. Newark Light Rail and River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Holiday bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to visit njtransit.com for details.
On Saturday, January 2 and Sunday, January 3, trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule on all lines, with an additional train operating Sunday only on the Port Jervis Line. In addition, Meadowlands service will operate for the Giants vs. Philadelphia game on January 3. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details, especially those traveling to the Meadowlands for the 1 p.m. kickoff time. Buses will operate on a weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Please consult njtransit.com for additional details.
Money-Saving Family Super Saver Fare in Effect For Holiday Period
December 17, 2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
ALCOHOL NOT PERMITTED ON ALL NJ TRANSIT VEHICLES DURING HOBOKEN SANTACON
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is prohibiting alcoholic beverages on all of its trains, light rail vehicles and buses on Saturday December 19th and Sunday December 20th to coincide with the annual Hoboken SantaCon event. According to NJT this policy will be strictly enforced and a reminder: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on NJ TRANSIT buses at any time regardless of event.
NJ TRANSIT is offering extra service for the upcoming holidays to give customers more travel options, whether going to the mall for last-minute shopping, leaving work early for the holidays, or attending New Year’s Eve festivities.
In addition, NJ TRANSIT is giving customers almost two weeks of continuous savings through a special extension of the Family Super Saver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult. Usually limited to weekends, the Family Super Saver Fare will be in effect for the entire holiday period, starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 24 until 6 a.m. Monday, January 4, on all trains, buses and light rail lines.
NJ TRANSIT customer service representatives and volunteers will be deployed at major facilities throughout the holiday weekend to assist customers with their travels.
For complete schedule and fare information, customers may visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.
On Thursday, December 24, trains will operate on a weekday schedule on all lines with additional “early getaway” service from New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal starting at 1 p.m. on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines. Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River Line will operate on a weekday schedule. Buses will operate on a regular weekday schedule on most routes, with early getaway service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal starting and the Jersey City waterfront around
1 p.m. to accommodate the heaviest travel. Visit njtransit.com for details.
Thursday, December 24, and Monday, December 28 through Thursday, December 31, in anticipation of lighter ridership, selected peak hour trips on certain bus routes will be eliminated. More information can be found on njtransit.com
On Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all rail lines. Newark Light Rail and River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Holiday bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to consult their timetable for holiday schedule or visit njtransit.com for details.
On Saturday, December 26 and Sunday, December 27, trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule on all lines with an additional train operating Sunday only on the Port Jervis Line. In addition, Meadowlands service will operate for the Jets vs. New England game on December 27. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details. Newark Light Rail and River Line will operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule respectively. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Buses will operate on a regular weekend schedule. Buses to and from New Jersey malls are subject to delays. Please consult the timetable for holiday schedule or visit njtransit.com for more details.
file photo by Boyd Loving
A train delay for the ages; increasing service in Bergen County among several stalled plans
NOVEMBER 29, 2015 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2015, 12:27 AM
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
In May 1928, a group of forward thinkers in New York City drew a map of North Jersey that envisioned passenger trains running from Englewood to Jersey City on an existing set of railroad tracks, part of a network they confidently named the “Ultimate Suburban Rapid Transit Plan.”
At 1 p.m. on a Thursday this month, 86 years later, three powerful New Jersey senators gathered in a conference room overlooking the same tracks to demand a return of passenger trains to the line.
“This is a project that should have happened years ago,” state Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Wood-Ridge, said of the project, known as the “Northern Branch.”
Bringing more rail service to Bergen County may be North Jersey’s most stubborn transportation dream. Even now, depending on how one counts, there are between six and 11 efforts to return passenger service to historic train lines. And although passenger trains, bus lines and highways have spread across the region in the post-World War II era, people here have pushed, planned, schemed and begged for even more commuter rail, either to reduce traffic congestion or to connect places that are difficult to reach by mass transit. And the problem grows more acute the closer one gets to New York City. For densely populated towns in eastern Bergen County, like Englewood, Fort Lee and Tenafly, trains simply are not an option, as state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, often points out.
All Active and Retired Military Personnel with ID invited to ride the system as guests
November 10, 2105
Ridgewood NJ, In recognition of our customers who have served in the Armed Forces, NJ TRANSIT is inviting all active and retired military personnel to ride as guests of honor on our system on Veterans Day.
Whether going to the country’s largest Veteran’s Day parade in New York City, heading to ceremonies around New Jersey or simply commuting to work or school, veterans and active members (in or out of uniform) can utilize any portion of the bus, rail and light rail network all day on Wednesday November 11th, 2015 by simply showing a valid military ID.
“Opening our doors to these brave men and women who have sacrificed for the country is just a small token of our appreciation,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim. “It is a privilege to salute our nation’s veterans and active members and to honor their service by offering a ride on our transit system.”
NJ TRANSIT’s policy year-round allows dependents of military personnel to purchase tickets at reduced fares using the senior citizen/passenger with disabilities option upon showing a military dependent ID card. When purchasing a ticket from a ticket vending machine or through MyTix, select Senior/Disabled to obtain the discounted fare.
