New Jersey Transit is putting contingency plans in place in case of a potential strike from its rail workers.
NJ Transit's Rail Operations says it faces the possibility of a system-wide shutdown if members of the rail union walk off the job later this month.
It says a shutdown could effect up to 160,000 people who ride the system on a typical weekday.
The agency says it is adding capacity to New York commuter bus routes at nearby rail stations and contracting private carriers to operate bus service from several locations during weekday peak periods.
NJ Transit says its contingency plan should accommodate close to 40 percent of it's commuters that travel to the city.
The Port Authority says a shutdown could take place as early as March 13.
In case of a shutdown, PATH trains will cross-honor NJ Transit Rail passengers.
Commuters traveling across bridges and tunnels are urged to leave extra travel and expect heavy congestion.
The MTA says traffic congestion caused by a potential New Jersey Transit work stoppage could also cause them to re-route several express buses that normally travel through New Jersey between Staten Island and Manhattan. According to the MTA, five express bus routes - the X17J, X21, X22, X22A and X30 - could be re-routed through Brooklyn in the mornings and evenings. A sixth route, the X31, could be re-routed through Brooklyn in the evenings.
For a full look at the MTA's contingency plans in case of a New Jersey Transit strike, visit mta.info.