NJ Transit riders are hoping for an easier trip to work this morning after overhead wire issues on Amtrak’s system yesterday led to widespread delays and cancellations.
NJ Transit said rail will operate normal weekday service today.
Monday coverage
Newark Penn Station was crowded yesterday as commuters waited inside and others searched outside for different options, including ride share. NJ Transit said that around 9 a.m., an already delayed train on the North Jersey Coast Line lost power at North Elizabeth Station because of another overhead wire issue. The agency said the wires came down onto the train and a piece of debris hit the windshield, injuring the engineer.
The engineer was taken to a hospital. No injuries were reported among the 300 customers on board.
Rail service did not recover, leading to delays and cancellations into the evening commute.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said teams were learning about yesterday’s events and working to prevent similar disruptions. Gov. Sherrill called the delays unacceptable and said the cold weather played a role. Amtrak did not respond to a request for comment.
Some commuters said last night they plan to avoid NJ Transit trains today.