Pallone, N.J. House members push for answers from Amtrak on infrastructure upgrades

Hoping to avoid another “Summer of Hell” for NJ Transit commuters, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch) and nine of his New Jersey House colleagues sent a letter today to Anthony Coscia, the chairman of Amtrak’s board of directors, requesting an update on the railroad company’s efforts to improve its New Jersey-based infrastructure.

Much of New Jersey Transit, including its critical linkage to New York City under the Hudson River, operates on tracks owned by Amtrak; when Amtrak’s infrastructure ages and breaks down, there’s little that NJ Transit can do to alleviate the problem even though its commuters are among those suffering the delays.

Last summer, amid heat waves and other infrastructural issues, NJ Transit commuters were plagued by frequent meltdowns often caused by problems originating with Amtrak. Amtrak pledged to work to address the issue, obtaining a $112 million grant last November for improvements in New Jersey; the letter sent by New Jersey’s delegation today asks for more information on the implementation of that grant and other upgrades.

“While we are relieved that the occurrence and length of delays have decreased since the ‘summer of hell’ last year, our constituents still experience persistent delays in the system,” the letter states. “New Jersey families need assurances that a clear plan of action is in place ahead of what is bound to be another busy spring and summer in the Garden State.”

The letter is signed by Pallone and Reps. Donald Norcross (D-Camden), Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis), Herb Conaway (D-Delran), Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly), Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City), Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon), LaMonica McIver (D-Newark), Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing).

Political realities for Amtrak, though, have changed since last summer. Earlier today, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner resigned from his post, reportedly because of pressure from new President Donald Trump. Republicans now also have full control of Congress, and many of them – including now-Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy – have voted in the past to dramatically slash Amtrak funding.

Nonetheless, the letter sent today by most of New Jersey’s House delegation (GOP Reps. Tom Kean Jr. and Chris Smith were not signatories) expressed guarded optimism about Amtrak’s plans for New Jersey.

“Now is the time to act on this information, commit to a strong plan of action, and execute these badly needed repairs. Doing so will greatly decrease service disruptions, improve train speeds, and enhance reliability for daily commuters,” the letter states. “The quality of life of tens of thousands of New Jerseyans depends on your success, and we look forward to our continued partnership moving forward.”