In a bold move, NJ Transit engineers have gone on strike, leaving 350,000 daily commuters stranded and ensuring that traffic jams will be the only thing moving in New Jersey for the foreseeable future.

This unprecedented strike, the first in New Jersey in over 40 years, has been sparked by failed pay raise negotiations between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). With engineers earning the lowest salaries among major commuter railroads and no raise in six years, the fallout is already being felt—only 20% of rail riders can fit onto enhanced bus services, while concertgoers eyeing the upcoming Shakira and Beyoncé shows face their own personal gridlocks. Governor Phil Murphy has advised teleworking when possible, but it appears the only thing capable of moving faster than the stalled trains will be the heavy traffic on the Garden State's roads.

Negotiations leading up to the strike dragged on until shortly before midnight on the day prior, much like a game of chicken where both parties sped toward the deadline with a growing sense of dread. Unfortunately for commuters, the clock struck 12:01 a.m. and, rather than a fairy godmother, they discovered a sudden halt to rail services instead. The prospect of being 30 minutes late for work has now morphed into a reality where being on time is simply a fantastical concept, not unlike seeing a unicorn on the highway.

The situation begs the question: why did it take so long for these negotiations to go south? The representatives from BLET had laid out a reasonable request, but it would apparently cost NJ Transit approximately $4 million more per year to meet the demands of their engineers. Interestingly, that figure seems small when stacked against the disruption of halting the commute for 350,000 residents. But one could argue that budgeting for public transportation is as challenging as figuring out how to split dinner checks at a party where people order different items.

The lack of a pay raise in six years is particularly remarkable; it’s about as thrilling as using stale bread to make a sandwich. It’s possible that the engineers had hoped for better communication during negotiations, but it appears discussions were as productive as shouting directions at a GPS. Each rejection of temporary agreements left the union members increasingly frustrated, culminating in the decision to strike.

And so began the scramble for commuting alternatives. NJ Transit’s contingency plans included enhanced bus services that would transport just 20% of usual rail riders. One can only envision the crowded bus stop lines resembling a Black Friday sale at a department store, where people will risk their dignity to board a bus that may or may not show up on time. Meanwhile, commuters worrying about switching to the bus have been vocal about the scourge of severe traffic congestion, effectively lamenting, 'We have traded train delays for road rage.'

However, not all hope is lost for those looking to catch a glimpse of their favorite performers. Concertgoers heading to MetLife Stadium to see Shakira and Beyoncé face their own spectrum of issues. While waiting for a late bus or sitting in traffic, fans can discuss their deeper worries—like whether they can even get close enough to the stage to hear a single note over the cacophony of honking horns.

Governor Murphy’s call for teleworking has met with both relief and skepticism. For those fortunate enough to work from home, their morning commute has shifted from dodging trains to dodging house chores. This could be the first time since the invention of coffee that the prospect of working in pajamas has been received with such enthusiasm. On the other hand, those without the luxury of remote work have been questioning the timeline for how long it would take them to get into their offices—a mystery rivaling time travel in its complexity.

As the strike continues, the only consistent theme echoing through offices, living rooms, and concert venues remains the gnawing challenge of public transportation. Is there a silver lining? Perhaps. Amid all this chaos, local pizza places have surely reaped the benefits as people decide that maybe a few slices are better than a non-existent rail schedule. After all, who needs a train when you have the wonders of takeout?

In the grand scheme of New Jersey, this strike is essentially a trial run for commuters’ resilience. Some might argue that the real test is whether they can navigate the bus routes without losing their minds or their patience. Only time—and the next shuttle—will tell just how long this strike will last and what lasting effects it may have on the state’s infrastructure, not to mention everyone’s collective sanity.

As negotiations continue, the public is left wondering if the engineers will see a pay raise soon. If history is a guide, we'll just have to settle in and wait it out, coffee in hand. Meanwhile, engineers and commuters alike can prepare themselves with a newly minted sense of humor and perhaps pack some snacks for the commute that now seems ready to be a marathon rather than a sprint. But with all the chaos at hand, a little laughter might just be the best journey of all.