NJ Transit locomotive engineers could soon walk off the job, bringing to a halt a rail service used by 350,000 commuters in the event of a work stoppage. As of Thursday morning, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union and NJ Transit representatives were still meeting in negotiations hoping to reach an agreement prior to a potential strike.

Talks continue Thursday to avert a walkout by NJ Transit engineers Friday at 12:01 a.m., sending 350,000 to find alternate rides.

A labor dispute between NJ Transit’s locomotive engineers and the Garden State transit agency’s management threatened to become New Jersey’s first rail strike in more than 40