Amtrak trains delay holiday spirits

New Haven (WTNH) - Amtrak trains running along the Connecticut shore are moving once again. A major three hour stoppage, after an electrical problem in New Jersey, stranded commuters and holiday travelers.

A bag full of Christmas presents with nowhere to go.

"I'm trying to get home to my family in Maine," said Jenna Zahner of Bridgewater.

Zahner got to Union Station in New Haven at 11 a.m.; her train still said "delayed." Others still are two hours overdue. Amtrak said a power problem in North Bergen, New Jersey brought trains to a standstill around 8:45 a.m. where service was subsequently shut down for three hours with ripple effects up and down the East Coast.

"Well, I feel bad for my family because they're in Portland right now waiting for me," said Zahner.

That's exactly what Steve Norris is doing. His mother is somewhere between Philadelphia and New Haven.

And so far, no word on when she'll actually arrive.

"Got here, saw it was a little bit late, had to run out, feed the meter again then they changed it to be 40 minutes late; had to go out, feed the meter again," Norris said.

Folks are spending the hours talking, texting, doing the crossword. While passengers are just looking to pass the time.

"It's nice to sit down here and wait for the train, two hours," said Maria Cruz of New Haven.

Many are hoping this won't ruin the holiday.

"It's okay, make the most of it; it's Christmas time so, you know, put a smile on for 'em," said Zahner.