Amtrak’s overhead power issues continue to cause delays and cancellations for travelers at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station for a second consecutive day. Passengers have been left frustrated and inconvenienced as they scramble to make alternative arrangements.
Jaden May, a passenger from Indianapolis, expressed her disappointment after her first train to New York City was canceled. She had to reschedule and catch another train. Similar scenarios played out for many passengers at the station on Friday morning.
The problem initially occurred on Thursday when Amtrak service was temporarily suspended between Philadelphia and New York due to overhead power issues near Metropark. Unfortunately, the issues resurfaced again on Friday, this time near Rahway.
As a result, all Keystone Service trains between New York and Philadelphia were canceled, with operations limited to the Philadelphia and Harrisburg route. Speed restrictions were also imposed between New York and Philadelphia, further adding to the delays and frustration for passengers.
Gopal Iyer from University City shared his experience of receiving a call from Amtrak, notifying him that his train was canceled. He and many others had to reschedule their journeys due to the disruption caused by the power issues.
Gretchen Pierce from Ohio, who was supposed to leave at 8:05 a.m., expressed her hope that the delay would be minimal. She, along with other passengers, was eager to reach their destinations despite the setbacks.
The overhead power issues that affected Amtrak’s service in Rahway also impacted the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line rail service of New Jersey Transit. Service on these lines was suspended in both directions.
Fortunately, around 11 a.m., NJ Transit announced via Twitter that the Northeast Corridor and NJCL rail service had resumed with limited service in both directions following the earlier issues with Amtrak’s overhead wires. In the meantime, NJ Transit rail tickets and passes were being cross-honored by NJ Transit bus, private carriers, and PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken, and Penn Station New York.
Despite the challenges faced by passengers, some were able to rebook their journeys and remain optimistic. Jaden May, for example, acknowledged that the situation could have been worse, but she was grateful that she managed to catch another train.
SEPTA trains, on the other hand, experienced relatively minor disruptions, with delays of up to 10 minutes reported on the Paoli/Thorndale Line trains traveling from Center City. Trains coming into the city were either on time or very close to the schedule.
In a statement, Amtrak apologized for the inconveniences caused to its customers and those of NJ Transit, assuring them that they are working to resolve the overhead power issues as quickly as possible. They remain committed to providing reliable transportation on the Northeast Corridor.
Travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest information regarding Amtrak and NJ Transit services to plan their journeys accordingly.