NJ Transit service back on track after train breaks down in Hudson River tunnel

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New Jersey Transit service has returned to normal after a train became disabled Monday morning in the north tube of the Hudson River Tunnel.

The disabled train has been cleared from the tube, and trains in and out of Penn Station are now running on or close to schedule with some residual delays.

The incident also caused delays of up to an hour on buses heading for the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

There were delays on NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton lines.

The impact was felt by thousands desperate to get to work on time. "I was actually stuck on the train for 25 minutes, the bus for one hour or so, and it prolonged my trip considerably," said commuter Ryan Elivo.

Midtown Direct trains resumed service to Penn Station after being re-routed to Hoboken Terminal during the morning rush.

PATH and NY Waterway cross-honored NJ Transit tickets while the delays continued.

The disabled train was pulled back to Secaucus Junction and the 200 passengers that were on board got off there. NJ Transit crews are examining the disabled train to find the cause of the breakdown.

Rows of buses were lined up at Secaucus Junction because they were diverted away from the Lincoln Tunnel due to a vehicle fire, all adding to the frustration.

The New Jersey Transit issued this statement Monday afternoon:

"This morning, New Jersey Transit customers experienced delays on both our rail and bus service. An outbound (westbound) North Jersey Coast Line train became disabled in the North Tube at 7:05 a.m. The train was brought to Secaucus Junction where the 200 passengers on board were allowed to disembark. No injuries were reported to any customers or crew. The cause of the disruption is being investigated.

"Our bus customers were delayed this morning due to a vehicle fire inside the outbound tube of the Lincoln Tunnel. This created a delay in outbound buses being able to return to New Jersey to make further passes along their scheduled routes. All NY-Bound buses were diverted to Secaucus to enable our passengers to transfer to train service to Hoboken where they could board PATH trains or NY Waterway Ferry Service.

"Throughout the delays, our customers were kept apprised via our web site and social media accounts as well as through notification to local media. In addition, Customer Service Ambassadors were dispatched to Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal to provide assistance."

Monday's problems come on the heels of other recent headaches for NJ Transit commuters, including a disabled Amtrak train last month in one of the Hudson River tunnels.

It was part of a series of equipment troubles that caused days of delays. Amtrak operates the tunnels, wires and equipment used by New Jersey Transit.

Last week an Amtrak official met with lawmakers in Trenton, telling them that due to age and wear, the system could experience more breakdowns.