Power Problems Slowing Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT Rail Riders
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Rail passengers faced one problem after another in New Jersey on Wednesday.
Amtrak service was temporarily suspended between Newark and New York City because of mechanical problems with the Portal Bridge.
Power was also cut to businesses near the bridge.
Cold Weather Snarls Train Travel
Amtrak later said its crews resolved the issue with Portal Bridge. However, trains are moving at restricted speeds and residual delays were expected due to congestion.
Amtrak also said Wednesday that the morning rush fell victim to about a one-inch piece of rail near Princeton Junction.
Though they can't say for sure, the extreme cold, which can cause steel rails to constrict, is suspected in the problem there.
NJ TRANSIT said the Amtrak problem was causing delays of up to 30 minutes on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line and Midtown Direct trains. Some passengers reported up to 45 minute delays.
One man told WCBS 880's Paul Murnane that the vestibule was full and people were lined up down the aisle on a train.
PATH is honoring rail passes and tickets in Hoboken, Newark, and New York.
Raritan Valley Line service resumed Wednesday morning between Cranford and Newark after Amtrak repaired overhead wires.
NJ TRANSIT, meanwhile, is keeping its waiting rooms open 24 hours a day as they see how the cold weather plays out.
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