Michelle D. recently encountered one of many harrowing commutes faced by NJ Transit passengers. After wires fell on the tracks near New York Penn Station during rush hour, her 10-mile journey home turned into a grueling four-hour odyssey. The incident was just one of many in a string of infrastructure failures plaguing the aging rail system. As NJ Transit and Amtrak commuters endure unreliable service caused by outdated equipment, delays, cancellations, and chaos have become the norm. Recent attempts to prevent future disasters through improved communication and collaboration between the two agencies show promise. However, the road to effective repairs and upgrades is fraught with challenges, including manpower shortages, funding debates, and prioritization issues. As commuters like Michelle brace for fare hikes and continued uncertainty, the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term solutions to overhaul the deteriorating rail system becomes increasingly apparent.