(08/29/06) HOBOKEN ? A possible bus strike could leave thousands of New Jersey commuters scrambling to find alternate means of transportation.

Drivers for Academy Bus Lines, which is contracted by NJ Transit to operate in Bergen and Hudson counties, had originally planned to strike Wednesday at midnight. However, that deadline has been extended 48 hours in the hopes both sides will come to an agreement. The major sticking point in negotiations is the issue of overtime. Drivers say they deserve to get overtime, but bus line representatives are against the idea.

Officials at Academy say they will work diligently toward a solution during the 48-hour extension. As for the drivers, they say they?re fully prepared to walk off the job for their cause.