Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure; Airspace Structure
We were being vectored to a visual approach to 22L at EWR. We were just north of the SWEET intersection headed NE. ATC advised us of VFR traffic 500 above us headed SE. We had additional traffic 1000 below about 1 mile off our right side just ahead going NE also. We spotted the traffic and the TCAS showed them only 300 above us. We were given a frequency change. Before checking in with the new controller the TCAS issued an RA with a 'monitor vertical speed' command. The VSI directive was to maintain our VS or descend. The captain held level and we continued to monitor the traffic. I advised the new controller with the check in. The RA cleared and the captain reconnected the autopilot. The minimum distance between us and the traffic was 300 feet. We continued to a visual approach with no further issues.
CRJ900 First Officer reported a TCAS event during vectors to EWR with VFR traffic 500 feet above. TCAS showed the altitude difference to be 300 feet and commanded; 'Monitor Vertical Speed' possibly due to IFR traffic 1000 feet below.