TRENTON – Senate President Nick Scutari issued the following statement after NJ Transit and the locomotive engineers’ union reached a settlement to end the recent strike:

“This is a major victory for New Jersey. Service is being restored, and with it, the stability and reliability that our residents rightfully expect. We cannot afford disruptions like this, and I am glad decisive action was taken to resolve it.

"The strike made it unmistakably clear how vital public transit is to our state's daily function. It is the backbone of our workforce, our economy, and our quality of life.

"I commend both sides for coming back to the table and doing what needed to be done. Resolving this dispute was not optional. It was essential. I am pleased that the outcome not only brings service back online but does so through a fiscally responsible agreement that helps to protect the long-term sustainability of our transit system.

"Now, we must take that same energy and channel it into strengthening our transit system for the long term. We need a system that is resilient and ready to meet the needs of riders and workers alike. That work starts now. We owe it to the people of New Jersey to get this right and keep it right.”