NJ Transit rail service sees rampant cancellations during heat wave

By Alvin Wu
Domestic Affairs
NJ Transit rail service sees rampant cancellations during heat wave

NEC train #3866 departs Metropark Station. Commuters were asked to use this train after NEC train #3864 out of Trenton, 20 minutes earlier, was cancelled, on Wednesday, June 25. ZFJ/Alvin Wu

TRENTON, N.J., June 29 (ZFJ) — NJ Transit rail service saw many cancellations and delays during the heat wave from Monday, June 23, to Wednesday, June 25.

The East Coast endured an early heat wave that reached 100 degrees at its worst. The National Weather Service reported a new record of 98 F (37 C) in Trenton and a tied record of 103 F (39 C) in Newark on the hottest day of the heat wave—Tuesday, June 24.

Rampant and repeated cancellations and delays left commuters on the Northeast Corridor—the busiest passenger rail service in the nation—stranded in the heat. One commuter’s photo posted on Reddit shows passengers packed on Newark Penn Station’s platforms due to the degraded rail service.

Nj transit sucks
byu/senseikreeese inNJTransit

NJ Transit issued an apology for the rail service on X on Wednesday, citing malfunctioning air conditioning for the lack of available equipment.

“Out of an abundance of caution, if an HVAC issue is identified prior to the train’s departure, it will not operate,” wrote NJ Transit. “This decision is made not only to maintain comfort onboard but also to ensure the safety of our customers and employees.”

NJ Transit’s website says that extreme heat can also cause the catenary lines (overhead electrical wires) to sag, and tracks could expand and buckle, further complicating service.

On Thursday, June 26, the NJ Transit customer advocate reported that most trains impacted by air conditioning issues were expected to return to service, although delays could still occur during rush hour.

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