After Electrical Issues, Service Restored To Amtrak, NJ Transit

Photograph by zentangerine on Twitter — Gothamist

Jen Chung

Published Dec 23, 2009

Modified Dec 23, 2009

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We imagine a mix of commuters and Christmas Eve eve travelers are trying to deal with this: According to 1010 WINS, "Amtrak power problems have halted trains and stranded commuters trying to get into or out of New York's Penn Station. NJ Transit spokesman Dan Stessel says the low voltage problem has halted Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line and Midtown Direct trains. Some trains are stranded just outside Penn Station and others are stuck between Newark and New York City. Stessel says there is enough electricity to power the lights and heat on the trains, but not the engines."

Update, 11:30 a.m.: Train service is still suspended on Amtrak and NJ Transit, due to electrical issues. The Amtrak website says nothing, but the NJ Transit is very loud and clear:

There is no rail service between Newark and New York Penn Station.
All Midtown Direct trains are being diverted to Hoboken.
Northeast Corridor service is operating hourly between Trenton and Newark Penn Station ONLY. Expect significant delays.
North Jersey Coast Line service is operating hourly between Long Branch and Newark Penn Station ONLY. Expect significant delays.
Main/Bergen/Port Jervis/Pascack Valley customers who normally transfer to New York-bound trains at Secaucus should remain on the train to Hoboken and connect to PATH.

NJ Transit spokesman Bassett Hackett told CityRoom it was a huge issue for the outage to occur during the morning commute, "You’re talking about the peak of the peak. So you are talking about thousands of people who have been affected."

One traveler, heading home for the holidays, Tweeted, "In Penn Station. On a train. All power has been lost. Christmas vacation starting disturbingly like 'The Happening.'" Update, 12:10 p.m.: Looks like power is back! Now NJ Transit says, " NJ TRANSIT rail service in and out of New York Penn Station is being restored as of 12:07 p.m., following an earlier Amtrak power problem near New York. Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line and Midtown Direct service remains subject to residual delays. In addition, Midtown Direct trains have resumed operation into and out of New York. Main/Bergen/Port Jervis/Pascack Valley customers may transfer at Secaucus for service to New York."