Amtrak, NJ Transit to seek out causes of recent rail service disruptions

Amtrak and NJ Transit announced a joint plan to investigate the causes behind the many service disruptions that have delayed their riders in recent weeks.

According to a news release issued by Amtrak on Thursday, the two agencies will perform “extensive and frequent” examinations of their infrastructure and equipment, including the approximately 170 miles of tracks between Trenton and New York City, signals and overhead electrical wires.

Among other actions, the agencies will expand their helicopter inspection and repair program, which involves taking photographs of the railroad's electrical systems to identify areas in need of repair. 

Since last month, various electrical and other troubles have buckled rail service on the Northeast Corridor. On June 20, a circuit breaker malfunction forced Amtrak to temporarily suspend trains operating between Philadelphia's 30th Street Station and New Haven's Union Station. The following morning, power issues coupled with a disabled train in Penn Station delayed NJ Transit and Amtrak service in and out of the city.

“We understand the impact the recent events had on both Amtrak and NJ Transit customers and their families, and we share their frustration,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said in the release. “It’s vital we work with NJ Transit to identify the root cause of these disruptions and return to on-time service and the quality experience customers expect.”

When reached for comment via email, an MTA spokesperson said, “Amtrak and NJ Transit service disruptions have had no impact on the LIRR.”

The joint announcement comes on the heels of New Jersey’s 11 U.S. House representatives sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg calling for a Department of Transportation investigation into what spurred “breakdowns along the Northeast Corridor route” and determine “what additional capital projects need to be completed to fix any structural deficiencies.”

“Additionally, we urge Amtrak to immediately prioritize replacement of catenary [overhead electrical] wires and other critical infrastructure upgrades such as signals and track using the funds allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” the representatives continued in their letter. “These federal investments were made to ensure reliable train service and must be utilized promptly to prevent further severe disruptions along the Northeast Corridor.”

“NJ Transit recognizes how disruptive these recent incidents have been to the quality of life of every rail customer who depends on the Northeast Corridor, and we are as frustrated as they are,” NJ Transit president and chief executive Kevin S. Corbett said in the release.

The two rail service providers additionally announced joint long-term actions, including the pursuit of grant funds to bolster Amtrak's infrastructure.