NJ Transit president addresses Tuesday commute delays

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) -- NJ Transit President Kevin Corbett visited Elizabeth, NJ, on Tuesday morning to cut the ribbon at the newly renovated station.

While there, Corbett spoke to reporters about the delays that left many commuters late for work Tuesday. They were due to Amtrak overhead wire issues and a disabled train stuck in a tunnel. NJ Transit pays Amtrak approximately $100 million per year to use its tracks and infrastructure.

“I got a call 6:30 this morning right after it happened from Gary Williams, who’s the executive vice president of Amtrak, and the communication from the people down by the platform right up was much better,” said Corbett.

Corbett said better communication between Amtrak and NJ Transit is key for addressing rail issues in a timely fashion. Corbett said NJ Transit now has a response team on the ground with Amtrak to improve communication when problems arise.

Commuters funneling through a packed Hoboken Station Tuesday morning were frustrated. Riders reported being more than an hour late to work and said there was no warning whatsoever from NJ Transit.

Politicians at the Elizabeth ribbon cutting, however, praised NJ Transit’s service. “Take the train,” said State Senator Joseph Cryan. “It’ll be there. It’s well run. It’s comfortable.”

“My wife rides it every day; my daughter rides it two days a week to their jobs in New York City,” said Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “And I’ve gotta tell you, it works for them. It works for most people.”

NJT President Corbett recommends commuters use the NJ Transit app for the latest updates about their rides.