New YorkBY Ben Chapman and Larry Mcshane
DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Originally Published:Wednesday, December 23rd 2009, 10:25 AM
Updated: Wednesday, December 23rd 2009, 11:39 AM
An electrical problem shut down morning rush hour service on Amtrak and New Jersey Transit trains Wednesday, stranding holiday travelers in Penn Station and wreaking havoc on commuters.
The report of low voltage came in at 8:45 a.m., shutting down trains in both directions between New Jersey and Manhattan.
It was unclear what caused the problem or when power might return. Dozens of trains were delayed or rerouted, and Penn Station was filled with scores of disgruntled riders.
"I don't think they have any idea what the trains are doing," said Tim Blair, 46, who was waiting with his wife and daughter for an Amtrak train to Baltimore.
"We're going to try and take the bus."
Patrick Hayes, 26, was with his girlfriend as they waited for an Amtrak train to Pittsburgh for a Christmas reunion with his family.
"All the trains are delayed, and the crowd keeps getting worse," the Queens man said.
"All we need now is a few of the big trains to be canceled, and there's going to be a riot."
New Jersey commuters on some trains were rerouted through Hoboken, where they could take PATH trains into Manhattan.
Amtrak riders headed for more distant locales were hunkering down in Penn Station and waiting for any information.
"They are not telling us what's going on," Hayes said.
Associated Press and News Wire services
Amtrak says a low-voltage problem in NJ forced the railroad to halt trains in and out
ReplyDeleteof New York's Penn Station this morning. Happy Travel!
Amtrak, NJ Transit service in and out of Penn Station restored; delays expected
ReplyDeleteno trains in/out of ny penn station today, expect detours and massive delays, happy holidays from amtrak
ReplyDeletePower back on at NY Penn Station, Amtrak resumes NE Corridor service
ReplyDeleteAmtrak and NJ Transit have begun to restore service between Newark and Penn Station. Still major delays.
ReplyDeleteInstead of hold music, Amtrak should have information on Penn Station. That's the only reason their call center is swamped. Problem solved.
ReplyDeleteService at New York's Penn Station suspended because of Amtrak power problems.
ReplyDeletePower outages snarl NJ Transit, Amtrak service to New York Penn Station
ReplyDeleteYikes, would hate to be stranded on one of the Amtrak trains stuck b/n Newark and NYC or at Penn Station right now. All should stay in DC!
ReplyDeleteAll amtrak trains at penn station are delayed until further notice. I'm supposed to be riding up to RI. Over/under on wait time?
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'm stranded / Service at New York's Penn Station suspended because of Amtrak power problems
ReplyDelete