After Serious Delays, NJ Transit Trains Running Again In & Out Of Penn Station
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Trains are running again in and out of Penn Station a day after a NJ train derailment.
Crews worked overnight to repair a track that was damaged after two cars derailed. Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the cars of the train to jump the tracks.
After major delays, diverted and cancelled trains throughout Wednesday morning, the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line and Midtown Direct lines are now running on only a 10 to 15 minute delay in and out of New York.
NJ Transit said it expects a "normal" afternoon rush.
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The Trenton-bound train derailed early Tuesday. Some 300 passengers on board the derailed cars were safely evacuated. No one was injured.
Kate Slevin, executive director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, says commuters have seen first-hand with the disruptions over the past 24 hours why a new rail tunnel is needed.
"It is frustrating but we absolutely have to invest in our transportation network or else we are going to see more breakdowns, more safety problems and the impact on the economy will be felt," said Slevin.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports: Slevin Says We Can't Wait Any Longer For New Rail Tunnel
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Even New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie agrees another rail tunnel is needed, but he cancelled the ARC tunnel project.
Transit officials say if it were built, it would prevent delays like the ones caused by Tuesday's derailment.
"Unfortunately, these delays are only going to become more commonplace in the future as a result of Governor Christie's cancellation of the ARC tunnel project, which would have included another two tracks under the Hudson River to relieve congestion and prevent disruptions for New Jersey commuters," Sen. Frank Lautenberg said.
Lautenberg says the century-old tunnel cannot handle the increased traffic foreseen in the future.
"Instead of accepting $3 billion in federal funding for New Jersey to advance the ARC project, the Governor turned down the money and settled for the status quo – leaving New Jersey commuters and our economy to suffer," Lautenberg said.
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