BLOOMFIELD, NJ - May 14, 2025 - The Township of Bloomfield is advising residents to prepare for the possibility of rail service shutdown due to a potential NJ TRANSIT strike, which could begin as early as the morning of Friday, May 16, 2025. A work stoppage would likely result in significant disruptions for commuters across the region.
In the event of a rail shutdown, NJ TRANSIT has indicated that its bus system would only be able to accommodate approximately 20% of current rail customers, due to limited capacity. As such, the Township encourages all residents who are able to work from home or avoid travel into New York City to do so for the duration of the potential strike.
Bloomfield is home to a large population of daily commuters who rely on NJ TRANSIT rail service for access to employment and essential services in New York City and surrounding areas. In anticipation of service interruptions, Township officials are planning to implement a modified shuttle bus service to help residents connect with alternative transportation options.
During the potential shutdown, the Bloomfield shuttle service—operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs—will be rerouted to bring commuters to the Grove Street Light Rail Station for connection to Newark Penn Station and the PATH Train into Manhattan. In an effort to further support the community, the Township will temporarily waive the current $0.50 per ride cost for all riders, both existing and new, for the duration of the contingency service.
Details regarding the temporary shuttle routes and schedules will be announced Thursday, May 15, and posted on the Township’s Shuttle Bus webpage: www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/230/Shuttle-Bus.
“Bloomfield is home to thousands of hardworking commuters, and we know how disruptive a potential rail strike could be to daily life,” said Mayor Jenny Mundell. “While we remain hopeful that NJ TRANSIT and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers reach a fair agreement, we are not waiting to act. Our team is putting contingency plans in place to support our residents with alternate transit options. As your mayor, I’m committed to ensuring Bloomfield stays connected, and to continuing to fight for long-term improvements to our transportation infrastructure.”
The Township will continue to monitor developments closely, and will provide timely updates through official communication channels, including the Township website and social media.
For additional travel advisories, contingency plans, and customer service updates, residents are encouraged to visit the following NJ TRANSIT resources: