NJ Transit Track Problem To Alter Evening Commute: What To Know

NORTH JERSEY — Some rail passengers commuting between New Jersey and New York Penn Station were forced to stop in Hoboken Thursday, the agency said.

The agency said that due to a track issue in Secaucus, passengers who used the Midtown Direct routes between New York and New Jersey — in either direction — would have to change trains in order to continue from Hoboken.

The guidance continued until the end of the service day Thursday, meaning 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., a spokesperson said.

A NJ Transit alert said regular service would resume on Friday.

Midtown Direct trains run on the Montclair-Boonton Line, Morris & Essex Line, and Gladstone Branch.

Starting early Thursday morning, trains on the Midtown Direct route to Manhattan were diverted from Secaucus Junction due to an Amtrak switch issue, the agency had said earlier.

On Thursday afternoon, the agency updated its guidance: "Midtown Direct trains will continue to originate and terminate at Hoboken for the remainder of the service day today. This means Midtown Direct trains that usually would go to Penn Station or start from Penn Station will start and end at Hoboken."

They added that commuters who reach Hoboken can use the same ticket for the PATH trains between Manhattan and Hoboken. NJ Transit buses will also cross-honor tickets.

The guidance does not impact the Northeast Corridor, Raritan Valley Line, or North Jersey Coast Line trains.

Passengers said on social media that they were confused by the agency's announcement early Thursday, as it wasn't clear whether the trains would terminate in Hoboken, or would continue to Manhattan with delays rather than passing through Secaucus. Riders also complained that they were not told about the change when boarding their trains in the morning.

For updates, check the NJ Transit website.