NJ Transit officials are telling rail commuters to buy their March monthly passes like normal, while assuring them a plan is in place to compensate them for unused fares, in case rail workers strike or are locked out on March 13.

"In the event the unions call a strike, we will have a plan in place to accommodate customers who have purchased tickets and passes," said Nancy Snyder, an NJ Transit spokeswoman. "Customers should purchase their tickets or passes as they normally would."

Snyder declined to say exactly how customers would be compensated for the unused fares on their passes, through a reimbursement or credit, if a strike or lock-out occurs.

This is crunch time for commuters to buy their March monthly passes and avoid a crush on Monday morning at ticket machines and stations. Many riders have questioned whether they should buy the monthly with the threat of a strike looming.



NJ Transit and a coalition representing 11 rail unions are scheduled to meet on Friday. The rail unions have been working since 2011 without a new contract, as have been NJ Transit Police. Bus drivers approved a new contract. A 60-day cooling off period ends on March 13.



"We remain focused on reaching an affordable settlement with the rail unions for our customers," Snyder said.



While NJ Transit hasn't officially released a strike contingency plan for moving displaced rail commuters, former agency officials it would rely heavily on hired buses, similar to what was done after Hurricane Sandy in 2012.



Hired buses moved rail passengers from make shift park and rode lots set-up at places like MetLife stadium, which took commuters to Hudson River waterfront ferries. A similar plan was using during the 1983 NJ Transit rail strike.



Even some bus commuters said they're skeptical about buying a monthly pass, fearing that their regular ride may be over run by displaced rail commuters.



"If they're not releasing the plan, I wouldn't be comfortable," said Maggie Rose a bus commuter. "With all the extra rail commuters on my bus line, (it) makes me nervous to purchase a monthly bus pass as well."

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.



