NE Corridor train troubles

(11:15am update from NJ Transit:  About Northeast Corridor Delays This Morning

Issued: November 19, 2010

NJ TRANSIT apologizes for the delay and inconvenience many of you experienced this morning.

Shortly before 7 a.m., Northeast Corridor train 3703 became disabled near Metropark Station as a result of damage to the overhead wires that provide power to trains. The wire problem affected three of four tracks normally used for both eastbound and westbound service, resulting in significant delays to peak-period Northeast Corridor trains and a temporary suspension of outbound Northeast Corridor service from Rahway to Trenton while Amtrak crews worked to make repairs.

The cause of the overhead wire damage is under investigation.

At approximately 8:30 a.m., two of the three affected tracks were returned to service, and outbound Northeast Corridor service was restored. However, Northeast Corridor trains in both directions remained subject to 30 to 60 minute delays. In addition, it was necessary for outbound trains to bypass Metropark Station due to the disabled train 3703 blocking the tracks.

In the interest of safety, passengers were unable to disembark from the disabled train until a rescue train could be moved into position on the adjacent track. This took some time, because the overhead wires had to be stabilized at the scene. As a result, the passengers aboard train 3703 were delayed about two hours, until they could be transferred to the rescue train at approximately 9:10 a.m. Passengers on the rescue train, 3705, were also delayed approximately two hours.

Normal service at Metropark Station resumed at 9:30 a.m., and residual delayed continued throughout the morning hours.

NJ TRANSIT will work throughout the day to move crews and equipment into proper position to operate normal afternoon service. Due to the possibility of minor residual impacts, customers are advised to check njtransit.com before traveling.  (UPDATE: Northeast Corridor trains during the afternoon commute are expected to experience 10-15 minute delays due to ongoing wire repair work.)

During this incident, we provided the most current service information via station PA announcements, broadcast traffic reports and the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com.) In addition, to provide customers with alternate travel options, we established cross-honoring on NJ TRANSIT and private carrier bus service.

Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. If you have additional questions or comments regarding these delays, please contact us.)

NJ Transit says NE Corridor service to NYC has been restored as of 8:30am, but still with delays.  Earlier this morning, overhead wires down in Metropark  shut down the outbound NE Corridor trains and caused heavy transit delays.  Train tickets are being honored on bus service to NYC.

Transit alerts:

Nov 19, 2010  08:42:31 AM
As of 8:30 a.m., NEC service restored subject to 30-60 minutes delays in both directions due to wire damage.

Nov 19, 2010  08:41:39 AM
Westbound NEC trains bypassing Metropark. Bus shuttle operating between Rahway and Metropark.

Nov 19, 2010  08:15:42 AM
Northeast Corridor inbound service is subject to 30-60 minute delays due to overhead wire damage near Metropark. Service from Rahway to New York handled by NJCL trains. Northeast Corridor outbound (westbound) service is suspended due to overhead wire damage near Metropark.

Nov 19, 2010  08:15:33 AM
NJ TRANSIT and private carrier buses are honoring rail tickets and passes in/out of New York due to Northeast Corridor overhead wire damage.

Nov 19, 2010  08:15:28 AM
Passengers at NEC stations west of Rahway who have not yet boarded trains are advised to seek alternate transportation.

Nov 19, 2010  08:03:43 AM
Northeast Corridor train #3918, the 6:25am departure from Trenton is currently stopped near Metropark up to 40 min. delay.

Nov 19, 2010  07:35:23 AM
NJ TRANSIT and private carrier buses are honoring rail tickets and passes in/out of New York due to Northeast Corridor overhead wire damage.

Nov 19, 2010  07:29:11 AM
Passengers at NEC stations west of Rahway who have not yet boarded trains are advised to seek alternate transportation.

Nov 19, 2010  07:27:33 AM
Northeast Corridor train #3918, the 6:25am departure from Trenton is currently stopped near Metropark up to 30 min. delay.

Nov 19, 2010  07:27:12 AM
Northeast Corridor inbound service is subject to 30-60 minute delays due to overhead wire damage near Metropark. Service from Rahway to New York handled by NJCL trains.

Nov 19, 2010  07:26:04 AM
Northeast Corridor outbound (westbound) service is suspended due to overhead wire damage near Metropark.