(The New York Times posted the following article on its website on August 4.)
NEW YORK — All Amtrak trains traveling between New York City and Philadelphia were canceled yesterday evening, inconveniencing thousands of commuters and other travelers. A train left New York shortly before midnight and a spokeswoman said reduced service would likely be restored this morning.
Service was first shut down around 6:30 p.m. because of a power failure in Pennsylvania. Several electrical wires that provide power to the trains were knocked down in the area between Levittown and Grundy, Pa. Service between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. was also reduced.
A commuter train on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority line apparently knocked down the wires, officials said. Tracy Connell, an Amtrak spokeswoman, said that workers were hoping to have one track available by early morning, which would allow for some reduced service. Trains on the New Jersey Transit lines were affected, but largely restored by the late evening. SEPTA trains were also expected to be back for the morning commute.
Amtrak service to Boston continued as usual last night. Greyhound bus lines also added several buses along its routes to Philadelphia.