On June 26, after multiple service disruptions and frequent delays, Amtrak and NJ Transit issued a joint statement announcing plans to thoroughly investigate recent issues and develop solutions to improve rail transportation between New Jersey and New York.
According to the joint statement received by this newspaper, following a significant increase in disruptions on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between New Jersey and Pennsylvania stations in New York, Amtrak and NJ Transit have been accelerating inspections, maintenance, and improvements to various infrastructure and fleet systems.
This comprehensive effort will focus on Amtrak’s infrastructure, including the electric traction systems powering trains, overhead catenary systems as part of the electric traction system, signals, and switches, as well as NJ Transit’s equipment, including the pantographs system that connects to the catenary system and provides power to trains.
“We understand the impact of recent events on Amtrak and NJ Transit customers and their families, and we share their frustration,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner in the statement. “Identifying the root causes of these disruptions and restoring on-time service and the high-quality experience expected by customers is paramount.”
NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin S. Corbett expressed similar sentiments.
The joint action plan specifically includes intensive inspections of the catenary and tracks on the 170-mile stretch between Trenton and New York City to identify any potential issues that could lead to pantograph damage. It also involves visual inspections and high-definition camera inspections of all pantographs at major stations, reviews by external industry experts, and an expanded helicopter catenary line inspection and maintenance program.
Both companies will release regular reports, seek external resources when necessary to address issues once the root causes are determined, and continue to advance major projects like the Portal North Bridge and Hudson Tunnel Project. These projects will replace the aging and fragile systems on the Northeast Corridor with modernized infrastructure.
Each step is crucial as they work to restore confidence in the rail services and ensure a reliable and safe transportation experience for passengers traveling between New Jersey and New York.