Service Update

Amtrak has announced that its train service between New York City and New Haven, Connecticut, will be resuming in the afternoon after an unexpected disruption that affected commuters across the northeastern United States on Wednesday morning. Travelers can expect trains to start running again around 2 p.m., according to an advisory issued late Tuesday.

Cause of Disruption

The halt in services was triggered by a brush fire in the Bronx that damaged tracks and cut power to trains operating in the area. This incident resulted in the cancellation of seven trains originating from Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan to New Haven, where typically about ten trains run during morning hours between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Emergency Response

The severity of the fire prompted Amtrak to halt all services starting Tuesday afternoon as crews worked urgently to assess and repair the damage. Con Edison representatives reported that the blaze ignited during maintenance work on a high-voltage cable at an Amtrak substation, leading to a coordinated emergency response.

Firefighting Efforts

Firefighters reported battling two simultaneous fires in close proximity within the Bronx, one at the Amtrak substation and another at a nearby large warehouse. Fortunately, the swift actions of the fire department contained the flames and prevented further damage.

Alternative Transportation

For those impacted by the disruption, Amtrak has partnered with Metro-North Railroad, which is honoring Amtrak tickets between Grand Central Terminal and New Haven, providing travelers with an alternative mode of transportation during this inconvenient situation.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for updates as the afternoon approaches, and ensure to check your travel itinerary for the latest schedule changes. This incident highlights the importance of contingency plans for commuters who rely on rail services in the bustling region.