NJ Transit provides update on work with Amtrak amid heat issues

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) -- NJ Transit is warning commuters about possible delays because of the heat.

In a message on the NJ Transit app, the agency said it is “experiencing heat-related rail equipment issues to the air-conditioning/electric components due to the extreme & excessive temps. As a result, customers may experience delays & it may be necessary to cancel/combine select trips for the next 48-72 hours. Our rail maintenance crews are working diligently to make repairs & restore equipment as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.”

Despite the warning, PIX11 News did not observe many delays or cancellations. The notice, however, prompted PIX11 News to push NJ Transit for an update on its continued collaboration with Amtrak.

Gov. Phil Murphy’s office called for a meeting with NJ Transit and Amtrak in June, following a string of service meltdowns. Since then, NJ Transit said it has worked with Amtrak to develop a joint plan, addressing several near-term issues. Those include more frequent and extensive inspections of the track and overhead wires between Trenton and New York City and reviews with industry experts to analyze the root cause of issues and develop solutions.

In the longer term, NJ Transit said it is currently manufacturing 138 new multilevel train cars, which will improve reliability. The agency said it also plans to evaluate ways to expand overnight work and expedite repairs.

Amtrak told PIX11 News that any heat-related issues NJ Transit is experiencing are unrelated to Amtrak infrastructure. Amtrak said talks between the agencies are going well.