Amtrak probing causes 3nd disruption

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Frustrated rail commuters waited out more delays Thursday night, when a second round of power problems disrupted service along the well-traveled Northeast Corridor between New York and Philadelphia.

It was the third time in three days commuters had to contend with unusually long waits and interrupted service.

Delays occurred in the Thursday morning commute, as well, and both instances were blamed on voltage problems that Amtrak officials were investigating. The problems apparently weren't related to a transformer fire that halted service on the corridor for hours Tuesday, Amtrak officials said.

Trains were held at stations for about 90 minutes at the start of Thursday night's rush hour and extensive delays occurred even after the trains started moving. Many commuters were left wondering when they would finally reach their destinations.

"I'm super frustrated," said Erica Fox, 38, a Connecticut resident who works for Google.

Fox was in New York City for a work meeting. She had been waiting at Penn Station for about an hour for a train to take her home to her two children.

"I'm wondering if my situation of commuting into the city each week is going to be viable," she said, looking tired and leaning on a pole. "I can't be two hours late for my kids every week."

Hundreds of other riders nearby anxiously waited in the hot, humid weather for trains to arrive.

"There seems to be a lot of delays. This is starting to become routine," Fox said.

Kelly Landais, 29, of Montclair left work early Thursday afternoon because she wasn't feeling well. But when she got to Penn Station, she learned that two home-bound trains had been canceled and she had no idea when the next one would depart.

"I'm tired and thirsty," she said while waiting at the station with her husband. "I just can't believe you pay so much for the trains, and this is what happens."

Similar delays occurred Thursday morning. Service was restored after about 45 minutes, but problems still persisted on commutes on Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains.

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Associated Press reporter Cristian Salazar in New York City contributed to this report.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.