New Jersey Transit Reaches Tentative Deal to End Ongoing Strike
#new jersey transit #ongoing strike #tentative deal #commuters #local businesses #union
About the People Mentioned
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) is the oldest labor union in the Western Hemisphere, tracing its roots back to the mid-19th century. Initially formed as the Brotherhood of the Footboard in 1863 by Michigan Central Railroad engineers, it was renamed the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) in 1864[1][3]. Over the years, the union has evolved, and in 2004, it merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, adopting its current name[4]. The BLET's formation was driven by the need for better working conditions and fair treatment for locomotive engineers, who faced harsh conditions and exploitation by railroad companies. The union has played a crucial role in improving workplace safety and advocating for legislative changes. Notable achievements include the passage of the Locomotive Inspection Act and the Adamson Act of 1916, which established the eight-hour workday for interstate railroad workers[1][3]. Today, the BLET is a founding member of the Teamsters Rail Conference and represents approximately 51,500 active and retired locomotive engineers and trainmen across the United States[1]. The union continues to focus on promoting and protecting the rights, interests, and safety of its members[6]. Recent leadership changes include the appointment of Mark Wallace as the National President, effective May 1, 2025[1]. The BLET remains relevant in modern times by addressing contemporary issues and engaging in educational programs. For instance, it participates in historical and diversity-focused programs through the Teamsters History Project, highlighting the union's role in the broader labor movement[8]. Despite its long history, the BLET continues to adapt and advocate for its members in the ever-changing landscape of the railroad industry.
About the Organizations Mentioned
New Jersey Transit
New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) is the largest statewide public transportation system in the United States, operating an extensive network of bus, commuter rail, and light rail services across New Jersey, with connections into New York and Pennsylvania. Serving a service area of 5,325 square miles, NJ Transit is also the third-largest transit provider in the country by ridership, with over 225 million trips taken annually as of 2024[2][5]. It connects major commercial, employment, and residential centers, facilitating regional mobility in a densely populated corridor. Founded in the late 1970s to consolidate and enhance New Jersey’s fragmented transit services, NJ Transit has grown to operate 260 bus routes, 12 commuter rail lines, and three light rail lines, with more than 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations, and over 18,000 bus stops[5]. It also manages the Access Link paratransit service, providing curb-to-curb transportation for individuals with disabilities throughout most of the state, assisting more than 470,000 passengers annually[1]. NJ Transit plays a vital role in regional transportation hubs like Newark, which serves as a key nexus for multiple commuter rail lines, light rail routes, and connections to PATH and bus services, integrating New Jersey with New York City and Philadelphia[3]. The agency also operates over 130 park-and-ride facilities, supporting commuters who combine driving with transit use[1]. The NJ Transit Police Department ensures security across all transit properties, maintaining safety for its millions of daily riders[2]. In recent years, NJ Transit has focused on modernizing infrastructure, improving customer experience, and expanding service reliability, underscoring its commitment to safe, affordable, and accessible transportation[6][8]. The organization is notable not only for its scale but also for its integration of multiple transit modes, strategic regional connectivity, and contribution to economic vitality in the Northeast corridor.
