NJ Transit Suspends 2 Lines Due to Wire Issues

Debris from overhead infrastructure struck a train, causing power loss and delays.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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NJ Transit suspended service on the Northeast Corridor Line between Penn Station in New York and Trenton, as well as the North Jersey Coast Line between Penn Station and Woodbridge, due to wire issues that caused a train to lose power and become disabled. An engineer was injured, but no passengers were hurt. Rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by NJ Transit buses, private carriers, and PATH at Newark, Hoboken, and 33rd Street in New York.

Why it matters

The suspension of these two major NJ Transit lines will significantly disrupt commutes and travel plans for thousands of riders in the New York/New Jersey region, highlighting the importance of reliable rail infrastructure and the impact that even minor incidents can have on public transportation.

The details

The incident began when a piece of debris from overhead wire infrastructure struck the windshield of a train at the North Elizabeth Station, causing the train to lose power and become disabled. An engineer was injured during the incident and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, but no passengers were hurt.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

NJ Transit

The public transportation system serving the state of New Jersey, including bus, rail, and light rail services.

Amtrak

The national passenger railroad service of the United States, which operates the overhead wire infrastructure that caused the incident.

Nathan Carthena

A commuter who was delayed for 4 hours trying to travel from Newark to Montclair.

Lisa Edmonds

A commuter who was supposed to travel from Newark Penn Station to Trenton but was only able to reach Newark Airport due to the delays.

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What they’re saying

“I was originally traveling to school in Montclair, but now I'm just trying to get home.”

— Nathan Carthena

“They made an announcement that the train lost power, and the train ahead of it. The wire broke.”

— Lisa Edmonds

What’s next

NJ Transit is working to restore service on the affected lines as soon as possible, and is cross-honoring tickets to help commuters reach their destinations.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the vulnerability of rail infrastructure and the significant impact that even minor disruptions can have on public transportation networks, underscoring the need for continued investment and maintenance to ensure reliable and resilient transit services.