Penn Station Meltdown Strikes NJ Transit and Amtrak Commuters Again

Money | June 21, 2024, 12:44 a.m.

NJ Transit experienced significant disruptions on its Midtown Direct trains, diverting them to Hoboken due to a power outage caused by a malfunctioning circuit breaker. As a result, rail tickets and passes were being crossed-honored by NJ Transit and private carrier buses, causing delays of up to 90 minutes. Amtrak also reported overhead wire issues and a brush fire in northern New Jersey, halting trains between New Haven and Philadelphia, affecting commuters into and out of New York's Penn Station. The transit meltdown coincided with the region's first heat wave, complicating travel plans for many passengers. Despite the challenges, commuters like Cameron Manning and Anthony Hubbard remained understanding, navigating through the disruptions. The situation improved later in the day as power was restored, allowing trains to resume travel at restricted speeds. Amtrak and NJ Transit advised customers to expect residual delays as they worked to restore normal operations.