Some NJ transit riders looking for other ways to get to New York City opted for a ride across Sandy Hook Bay.

At the Seastreak Ferries in Highlands, Friday is typically a light travel day, but the numbers showed ridership was up 20%.

“As far as our contingency plan, we are putting our largest ferry on for the weekend service and then starting Monday, we've added additional service out of Belford location,” said James Barker, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Seastreak.

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A 35-minute trip across the bay is how some displaced NJ Transit riders found their way to Manhattan. But it wasn't without anger and frustration.

“They already told us our fares are going up. They raised it last year. They raised it again this year. And they're going to raise it again next year. So, take the damn money. Make a deal and let us get to work on time,” said Dave Gadeloff of Ocean Township.

Some riders like Sofia Bianchi from Middletown found her commute racking up close to an extra $80 after factoring in Uber, ferry, and subway fares.

“Inconvenient. It extends my commute by another 45 minutes between driving here, taking this having to take the subway from instead of 10 and it's also more expensive,” said Bianchi.

The strike is not just affecting commuters. This time of year, many folks from the city have their eyes on the Jersey Shore for the weekend, like Maeve Sexton.

“Hopefully they figure this out quick for us weekend getawayers and commuters because it can be a little frustrating,” said Maeve Sexton of the East Village.

Seastreak say their busiest travel days of the week are Tuesday through Thursday.