Thousands of commuters faced major travel disruptions Thursday morning after an Amtrak track car fire damaged overhead wires and rail infrastructure inside one of the Hudson River tunnels, forcing NJ Transit to suspend service between Newark Penn Station and Penn Station New York.
NJ Transit warned that the impacts are expected to continue through the morning rush hour, with significant delays and cancellations affecting multiple rail lines across the system.
The agency said the fire damaged critical overhead wire and track infrastructure used by trains traveling between New Jersey and Manhattan, one of the busiest commuter corridors in the nation.
Service Suspended Between Newark and New York
As a result of the damage, NJ Transit suspended rail service between Newark Penn Station and Penn Station New York while Amtrak crews work to complete emergency repairs.
Midtown Direct trains that normally operate into Manhattan have been diverted to Hoboken Terminal.
Customers traveling to New York are being directed to transfer to PATH trains at Newark Penn Station or Hoboken.
NJ Transit said rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored on PATH, NJ Transit buses and participating private carrier bus services to help commuters reach their destinations.
Key Points
• An Amtrak track car fire damaged infrastructure inside a Hudson River tunnel
• NJ Transit suspended service between Newark Penn Station and Penn Station New York
• Major delays, cancellations and diversions are expected throughout the morning commute
Multiple Rail Lines Impacted
The disruption extends beyond the Northeast Corridor.
NJ Transit said Main Line, Bergen County Line, Pascack Valley Line and Port Jervis Line trains are bypassing Secaucus Junction and operating directly to Hoboken.
Passengers heading to New York are being advised to transfer to PATH service from Hoboken.
Northeast Corridor trains are operating as local service only and terminating at Newark Penn Station before turning back westbound.
Several regularly scheduled trains have also been canceled.
All Jersey Avenue-originating Northeast Corridor trains were canceled, while all NJ Coast Line trains originating from South Amboy were suspended for the morning.
The agency advised customers to use available local service only for essential travel.
Officials Urge Travelers to Consider Alternatives
NJ Transit urged commuters to work from home if possible or consider alternate travel arrangements because of the widespread impact on rail operations.
Amtrak crews remained on scene Thursday morning repairing damaged overhead wires and other infrastructure inside the tunnel.
Officials have not provided an estimated timeline for when normal service will resume.
The incident once again highlights the vulnerability of the aging Hudson River rail network, which serves hundreds of thousands of daily passengers traveling between New Jersey and New York City.
NJ Transit encouraged customers to monitor updates through the NJ Transit Mobile App, My Transit Alerts, the agency’s website and official social media channels.
As of Thursday morning, rail service between Newark Penn Station and Penn Station New York remained suspended while repair crews worked to restore operations.
