NJ Transit Blames Union Contract for Train Cancellations on First Day of Cutover Schedule

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NJ Transit experienced significant train cancellations on Sunday as the agency slashed its service to begin infrastructure work on the Portal Bridge. Over the next four weeks, NJ Transit will reduce service as they move a track from the aging Portal Bridge in Kearny onto the newer North Portal Bridge. Riders heading into New York will have to stop at Hoboken terminal and switch to a PATH train, ferry, or bus. The agency blamed the cancellations on its union contract, which requires engineers to select new assignments up to 48 hours in advance of the schedule change.

Why it matters

The transfer of the track from the century-old Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River is part of the Gateway Program to ultimately improve rail service from New Jersey to New York. However, the temporary service disruptions have caused frustration for commuters and raised questions about the agency's ability to manage the transition smoothly.

The details

NJ Transit said that some assignments may remain temporarily unfilled with limited advance notice, which can result in cancellations. The agency noted that the union contract does not allow the assignment selection process to be done a week prior to the actual schedule change. A total of 27 trains were canceled on Sunday, the first day of the cutover schedule.

• The process of moving the track, wires, and electrical systems will run through March 15, 2026.
• In the fall of 2026, the remaining track will be moved from the old to the new bridge, and the original bridge will be permanently removed.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.