Months after a series of train breakdowns disrupted commutes in and out of New York, the prospect of additional transit funding to address these issues may depend on the outcome of Tuesday's election.
Amtrak and New Jersey Transit have been investigating rail disruptions that occurred in May and June, which left passengers stranded and extended commute times. Although the root causes have not yet been identified, an independent inspection report is expected this month. In the meantime, commuters remain at risk of further delays.
Officials assure that repairs are ongoing to maintain smooth service operations. However, both Amtrak and NJ Transit face financial constraints and require more funding. Previous political stalemates over transportation budgets in Congress have led to essential infrastructure falling into disrepair.
During the summer, heat stress combined with aging infrastructure resulted in power disruptions that delayed services for both NJ Transit and Amtrak. These agencies are closely linked as NJ Transit leases much of its tracks from Amtrak, which owns and operates the shared infrastructure.
"The ball is really in Amtrak’s court," said Michael Smart, associate professor of urban planning at Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.
