Some Amtrak passengers experienced disruptions in service in New York City this week due to a fire near the city's Penn Station.
The Fire
Amtrak halted its service between New York and New Haven, Connecticut, Tuesday afternoon after a trackside fire erupted in the Bronx. The incident also caused delays for routes connecting New York to Washington, D.C., as well as Boston to New Haven.
"Amtrak service between New York Penn Station (NYP) and New Haven (NHV) remains suspended in both directions due to a previous fire east of New York Penn Station (NYP). Amtrak personnel are currently assessing and repairing damages done to the tracks," Amtrak said in a statement.
Con Edison spokesperson Philip O'Brien said the fire ignited while Amtrak workers were servicing a high-voltage feeder cable and transformer, eventually spreading to a nearby warehouse and a Con Edison substation parking lot. The blaze also damaged three cars in the lot, according to O'Brien.
Halted Services
On Tuesday evening, Amtrak announced that New York to New Haven rail service was paused, with travelers urged to switch to the Metro-North rail service. Officials announced that normal operations should be back by 2:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
"The estimated time for normal operations to resume is 11/13/2024 at approximately 2 pm. Amtrak is communicating directly with impacted customers about this service interruption and offering options for rebooking their travel plans. Check the Amtrak.com Train Status page for specific train details," Amtrak said.
"Customers traveling between New York and New Haven are encouraged to utilize Metro-North Railroad services as they are honoring Amtrak tickets due to the current service disruption. Customers will need to board Metro-North Railroad services at New York Grand Central Station. Unfortunately, customers will need to find their means of transportation from New York Penn Station (NYP) to New York Grand Central Station."
Amtrak also noted that they will "waive additional charges" for those who need to change their reservations due to the halted services. Customers can contact the company's reservation center for more information.
Recent Amtrak News
Earlier this month, Amtrak announced a nationwide winter flash sale, offering travelers up to 40 percent off regularly priced fares to hundreds of destinations across the United States.
The flash sale has limited availability and applies to trips departing Monday through Thursday and Saturdays. Travelers interested in taking advantage of the sale have until November 14 to book their tickets, Amtrak said.
Tickets booked during the sale are valid for travel dates throughout winter, for trips departing between December 2, 2024, and March 15, 2025, though blackout dates will apply around peak holiday times—namely December 24, 2024, December 26, 2024, January 1, 2025, January 17 through January 21, 2025, and February 17, 2025.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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