UPDATE: Chatham latest to offer rail strike shuttles

Chatham is the latest municipality around the Morris County rail line to offer a backup plan for commuters to get to New York City should there be a New Jersey Transit strike next week.

Chatham Administrator Robert Falzarano said the borough plans to have three buses in the south parking lot of the train station, scheduled to leave at 5:30 a.m.

Those buses will look to drop commuters off on 8th Avenue between 31st and 33rd streets, with pick up likely in the same location depending on how the strike affects traffic.

“Traffic is difficult when the trains are running so anything is possible. There are a lot of variables, but we’re trying to do the best we can,” Falzarano said. “We want to make sure folks know about the issues that may come up. It’s possible buses will be unable to enter the city.”

Departure from the area will be at 4:30 p.m. Tickets will cost $25 for a round trip, and can be purchased in cash on the bus.

To counter the looming strike, several towns along Morris County’s rail line have contingency plan to get New York City commuters to work.

The preparation comes as 4,200 railroad workers continue to negotiate with NJ Transit over a new contract.

Some progress appears to have been made Tuesday, but if both sides don’t reach an agreement, the strike is expected to begin Sunday, disrupting 105,000 Manhattan-bound commuters and putting 10,000 more cars per hour on New Jersey’s roads, which could result in more than 25 miles of traffic backups.

Union official Stephen Burkert said Tuesday that rail workers were closer than they were Monday on reaching an agreement with NJ Transit to prevent a strike. Union workers have been without a contract for nearly five years.

The Partnership for New York City, a business organization, estimates a rail shutdown would cost New York City employers $5.9 million per hour.

Morristown plans to offer four first-class commuter bus shuttles in an out of Manhattan beginning Monday. Buses will begin boarding at the train station at 6 a.m. and depart as they fill, with the last one leaving at 7 a.m.

The buses will pick up passengers in Manhattan on 31st Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues, beginning boarding at 5 p.m. and departing as they fill, with the last one leaving at 6 p.m.

Tickets will be sold each morning before buses depart on a first come, first served basis beginning at 5 a.m. until they sell out. A round trip ticket will cost $25 and must be paid in cash with exact change. The town said the fee will cover the cost of the bus rental.

Commuters who normally use the Morristown Train Station to get to work should email to manhattanbus@townofmorristown.org, to help the town make sure the appropriate number of buses are being used.

Morristown Business Administrator Jillian Barrick said it is difficult to gauge the number of buses needed to accommodate the town’s commuters since many walk to the station. She added there is not enough time to conduct a survey, which is why anyone planning to use the shuttles are asked to use the email to let the town know.

“It’s somewhat of a stab in the dark. An educated guess we modeled on what our neighbors are doing, Barrick said of the four charter buses. “We’re doing our best to anticipate the need but it’s hard to envision exactly what it will look like.

If the strike comes and more buses are needed, Barrick said the town will adjust accordingly.

“We’re hoping to have more buses if necessary,” she said, “But there are a lot of towns so it’s difficult to anticipate.”

Barrick said the shuttles were set up in town after receiving inquiries from concerned commuters.

“We don’t have the largest commuter station but it is still substantial,” Barrick said. “We’re hoping to avoid this situation but doing the best we can for our residents in a challenging time.”

Morris Township will also use four charter buses, which will leave once full after 6 a.m. from the Convent Station train station. Drop-offs and pick-ups will be at 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues beginning at 5 p.m. and leaving once full.

Morris Township tickets are also $25, cash only, to cover the cost of the rentals. Tickets will be sold to parking permit holders at the Church parking lot used by the township on a first come, first served basis.

Parking permits must be presented to township personnel upon purchase. If seats are still available, the remaining ones will then be open to the general public. Morris Township Police will also be on site to maintain order in the event of picket lines.

To ensure the correct number of buses are available, people are asked to email clerk@morristwp.com. People are also encouraged to call 973-326-7430 with additional questions or suggestions.

“Hopefully, the labor issues will be resolved and train service will continue uninterrupted,” Morris Township Administrator Tim Quinn said.

Madison also announced similar a contingency plan starting Monday, offering buses picking up commuters at the Madison Train Station parking lot between Green and Prospect streets.

The buses will drop off in the same location as Morris Township, at 34th Street between 7th and 8th avenues beginning at 5 p.m. and leaving once full.

Tickets are $25 for a round trip ticket, and are available on a first come, first served basis.

The buses will have Madison on the windshield and have Aristocrat on the sides. If commuters cannot locate the bus, they can call Madison Police at 973-593-3000.

NJ Transit also has an alternate service plan, including establishing five regional park-and-ride centers with added bus service to Manhattan.

“But the closest parking lots are in the Meadowlands,” Barrick said. “Which is not convenient for our residents.”

The 107X and 114X bus routes serving the Morris & Essex Line will also add service.

But NJ Transit projects they will only be able to accommodate about 40,000 of the state’s 105,000 New York City rail commuters, leaving 65,000 on their own.

Those planning to drive into the city are advised to do so before 6 or after 10 a.m. if possible, leaving before 3 or after 8 p.m.

Rail customers can check the website at njtransit.com/railstoppage for more information and sign up for alerts at njtransit.com.

The country’s largest statewide public transportation system NJ Transit is responsible for more than 938,500 weekday trips on 257 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com