LIRR service to Penn Station 'extremely limited' as East River tunnel repairs continue
Gothamist • • business
Key Points:
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and NJ Transit service to Penn Station remained severely disrupted Friday morning due to an East River tunnel fire that occurred Thursday, causing limited service, cancellations, and reroutes throughout the day.
- NJ Transit Midtown Direct trains were diverted to Hoboken Terminal, with rail tickets being honored on NJ Transit buses, private carriers, and PATH trains to help commuters.
- Amtrak, which owns the East River tunnels, reported delays up to 40 minutes and confirmed only one of four tunnels was operational after the fire damaged components in two tunnels.
- The transit issues coincided with looming LIRR union strike threats set to begin at midnight if contract negotiations with the MTA fail, adding to commuter uncertainty and frustration.
- Officials urged commuters to use alternative terminals like Grand Central or Atlantic Terminal and recommended working from home if possible due to the ongoing disruptions and potential strike.