There is still no deal between New Jersey Transit and the union representing their engineers as the state inches closer to a possible rail strike.

Both sides spoke at the New Jersey Transit board meeting Wednesday evening. The board meeting comes on the heels of a trip to Washington, D.C., where both parties met for mediation as they continue to try to hammer out a deal both sides are happy with.

Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen gathered outside NJ Transit's offices ahead of the meeting to make their voices heard. Union chair Tom Haas says he hopes this final push will make a difference.

"We are committed and we are dedicated to getting a fair and reasonable agreement for engineers that accomplishes the goals that we set out,” Haas said.

MORE INFORMATION: NJ Transit Rail Strike

Both sides continue to say they want to avoid a strike come Friday, however, since returning from D.C., both parties are tight-lipped about the details of the latest rounds of negotiations.

However, all parties involved say they’re optimistic.

"It’s been a constructive conversation," Hass said.

"I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to reach a deal," said NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri.

Both parties will be back at the bargaining table on Thursday at 9 a.m. If they don’t reach an agreement, engineers said they will strike at 12:01 a.m. Friday for the first time in 42 years.