NJ Transit and Amtrak services have been suspended through New York due to power issues impacting the rail lines. The disruption in service has caused major delays and inconvenience for commuters relying on these transportation options.
According to reports, the power problem originated from a malfunctioning circuit breaker, resulting in a loss of power between New York Penn Station and Newark Union Station. As a result, Amtrak trains between New Haven and Philadelphia have been halted while crews address the issue.
As a response to the service suspension, NJ Transit has announced the diversion of Midtown Direct trains to Hoboken. Additionally, NJ Transit tickets and passes are being cross honored by NJ Transit, private buses, and PATH at various stations to assist affected passengers.
Amtrak has not provided a specific timeline for when normal service will resume, but customers are advised to contact Amtrak for reservation changes. Some Amtrak trains have been redirected to terminate at Philadelphia or Newark until the power problems are resolved.
Furthermore, PATH has reported network connection issues at Newark Penn Station, leading to delays on the World Trade Center — Newark line. It remains uncertain if these connection problems are linked to the Amtrak power issues.
Earlier in the week, Amtrak had issued warnings about potential delays due to high temperatures in the region, which could necessitate trains to operate at reduced speeds. This, in turn, could result in delays of up to 60 minutes during the afternoons.
The ongoing service disruptions have added to the challenges faced by commuters, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the transportation infrastructure. Efforts are underway to address the power issues and restore regular service for NJ Transit and Amtrak passengers.