Overhead wire issues, disabled train leave some NJ Transit commuters stranded for 90 minutes
NEW YORK (WABC) -- A morning full of frustration and delays for some New Jersey Transit commuters compounded into the evening due to a disabled train and lingering technical issues.
Rail service into and out of Penn Station New York was still subject to up to 90 minute delays late Tuesday.
Hot, sweaty, crowded, and late were just some of the ways riders described their commute on in the morning due to overhead wire issues and a train stalled outside Penn Station.
It felt like a mission for some just to get into work, some commuters said at Hoboken Terminal. That is where Midtown Direct trains were diverted.
"Even for me this morning, it's soul sucking when you hear there's an Amtrak problem on the corridor," said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett.
Crowds of New Jersey Transit commuters funneled in and out of the terminal, confused and late to work. Some walked around aimlessly looking for another option.
It all stemmed from rail service in and out of New York Penn Station being suspended just before 8 a.m. and then resuming with delays. It was due to Amtrak overhead wire issues at Penn Station, according to New Jersey Transit.
NJ Transit rail tickets and passes were cross honored by New Jersey Transit and private carrier buses and PATH trains at Newark Penn and Hoboken.
Riders dealt with massive delays stemming from Amtrak issues just weeks ago. With fares set to increase by 15% starting July 1, the disruptions are not well received.
"It's pretty annoying," said Hoboken resident Steven Poss. "It's been hectic for a while."
As the Tri-State braces for this week's heat wave, there are still concerns that the temperatures will disrupt the overhead wires.
"You can't have a person everywhere, but to have teams pre-positioned so that when it happens, you can respond," added Corbett. "If you can respond in 20 minutes, a half hour, it is a lot different than responding after an hour."
NJ Transit encouraged commuters to follow communications, and that its holding Amtrak accountable so it can minimize disruptions and respond faster.
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