Disruption in Service: Train Strike in New Jersey Forces New York Sports Fans to Adjust their Travel Plans
In a relief for commuters and event-goers, it has been confirmed that there will be **normal NJ Transit service availability** this weekend for the New York Knicks game, Gotham FC match, and Shakira’s concert at MetLife Stadium. This comes after the last NJ Transit locomotive engineers strike in 1983, which lasted nearly a month, and the recent one that halted service on Friday.
The latest development follows successful negotiations between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, with a new 7-year contract approved by engineers on June 10, 2025. This resolution ended the labor dispute that had caused disruption to the approximately 1 million trips NJ Transit provides each week.
Despite the resolution, some modifications to NJ Transit services are expected. Starting from Monday, NJ Transit will provide additional bus service, but it is anticipated to support only 20% of typical rail traffic. For those seeking alternative transportation, Amtrak is offering tickets to Penn Station for $100 or more.
Commuters who usually use NJ Transit to get to Newark Penn Station and transfer to the PATH will need to arrange alternate travel methods due to the strike. The PATH, a subsidiary of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is still operating. Coach USA is providing buses from Port Authority Bus Terminal to MetLife Stadium during the strike.
For sports fans, the Yankees are hosting a Subway Series against the Mets in the Bronx this weekend. Basketball enthusiasts will be eager to know that the Knicks have the potential to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1999.
Meanwhile, Gotham FC is playing against the San Diego Wave in Harrison, N.J., on Friday night, and Shakira is performing at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. Ticket prices for the Knicks game, which are among the most expensive in history, have a get-in price hovering above $650 as of Friday morning.
In other sports news, Beyoncé has five upcoming dates at MetLife Stadium over the next two weeks. It's an exciting time for fans of music and sports in the New York City area, with numerous events to look forward to, and now, with the assurance of normal NJ Transit service, travel plans can proceed smoothly.
Federal officials are scheduled to mediate talks between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen on Sunday. Wages remain the main point of contention between the two parties.
As always, it is advisable to check NJ Transit’s website or travel alerts close to the event dates for any last-minute weather-related modifications or other service alerts. Enjoy your weekend events, New York City!
- The new 7-year contract between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen will ensure normal service availability for industries such as sports and public-transit transportation this weekend, alleviating concerns for commuters and event-goers.
- The resolution of the labor dispute has come as a relief to basketball fans, as the New York Knicks have the potential to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1999, while sports enthusiasts will also be able to attend the Subway Series between the Yankees and the Mets.
- For those attending the Gotham FC match against the San Diego Wave or Shakira's concert at MetLife Stadium, the assurance of normal NJ Transit service makes their travel plans more accessible, especially considering the high ticket prices for some events, such as the Knicks game with a get-in price hovering above $650.
