New York – Officials say fallen overhead wires blocking train tracks caused chaotic traffic on Wednesday evening.
The problems in Kearney, New Jersey, began at the start of the evening rush hour, delaying the commute home for many. Amtrak said crews were in the process of clearing tracks, and at 9:30 p.m. issued a statement that one track between New York City and Newark had been restored, allowing minimal travel.
Amtrak initially sent out an alert around 5 p.m. saying that service between New York City and Newark was halted due to downed overhead wires. In one update, the railroad expanded travel between New York City and Philadelphia.
Several NJ Transit lines experienced delays as well. NJ Transit later issued a statement saying cancellations and delays may continue Thursday.
Amtrak said it expects widespread delays as crews work to resolve the issue. Amtrak was offering assistance in changing reservations by calling its reservation center.
Frustration for passengers
Video from Chopper 2 shows crowds of people outside Newark-Penn Station and trains sitting on the tracks in Elizabeth.
Wednesday was the second day in a row of major disruptions on NJ Transit, due to the same issue. Midtown Direct service has been diverted to Hoboken and are honorarium tickets, she said.
“I was actually talking about this. I was tired of air travel and I was like, ‘Oh, this is great.’ So this is completely unexpected,” said Ana Maria Lopez of Caldwell.
“Every day there is a problem on the train,” said one passenger. “I’m not going to sit here and wait for the train. Either way, I can’t go to work regardless.”
Another said: “We were on our way home and decided to have a few drinks, which was a bad idea because we’re hit now.”
Another added: “There’s nothing you can do but accept it.”
There was a long line at the Amtrak ticket office in the Moynihan train hall. Samantha Taylor and her family, who were visiting from India and headed to Philadelphia, were among those stranded in New York City.
“We saw on the app that it was cancelled, so we checked for the next train, there was nothing available for today,” Taylor said.
“Everything is delayed. I sent everything to my supervisor because I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to Trenton,” said Lameisha Taylor of the Bronx.
“There are no buses going that way,” added Yolanda Crudup of Ewing, New Jersey.
Gina DeAngelis
