Amtrak temporarily halted all train services between New York and Philadelphia on Sunday morning after downed overhead power wires blocked tracks along the Northeast Corridor.
The suspension occurred during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as millions prepare for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa celebrations amidst freezing temperatures.
Amtrak's Northeast Corridor Service Disrupted as Power Issues Cause Major Delays
The disruption began around 7 am ET, with initial estimates predicting service restoration by noon, BostonGlobe said. However, as of 1:30 pm, only two of the four affected tracks were back in operation.
Trains resumed travel but at reduced speeds, causing delays of up to an hour. Amtrak reported that at least three trains were canceled, leaving travelers scrambling for alternative plans.
The Northeast Corridor, a vital route connecting major East Coast cities from Boston to Washington, DC, is Amtrak's busiest line. Sunday's outage not only impacted Amtrak services but also caused delays for some NJ Transit trains, compounding the travel challenges in the region.
In a statement, Amtrak assured passengers it was prioritizing train movements in "timetable order" to minimize disruptions.
The rail service also announced it would waive fees for customers needing to modify their reservations. Most passengers affected by cancellations were accommodated on other trains, ensuring they could still reach their destinations.
Amtrak Struggles to Restore Full Service Amid Cold Snap and Track Outages
Complicating the situation further, the region is experiencing its coldest December weather in two years, according to the National Weather Service.
According to CNBC, the freezing temperatures added to the discomfort of travelers already dealing with delays and cancellations.
As of Sunday evening, Amtrak had restored full service to one track while two others operated at reduced speeds. One track remained completely out of service. Residual delays continued into the night due to limited track availability and occasional crew shortages.
Passengers were encouraged to check for updates on the Amtrak website or contact customer service to adjust their travel plans without additional charges.
Despite the inconvenience, Amtrak's efforts to rebook passengers on alternate trains helped mitigate some of the travel disruptions.
With the holidays just days away, the outage underscores the fragility of the infrastructure supporting the Northeast Corridor, a lifeline for millions of commuters and holiday travelers alike.
As crews work to fully restore service, travelers are urged to remain patient and plan for potential delays in the coming days.
