Pallone Demands Accountability After Rail Passengers Endure Hours in Stifling, Dark Tunnel

Long Branch, NJ - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued a statement demanding accountability and urgent action after rail passengers were stranded in an underground tunnel for three hours without air conditioning, experiencing stifling heat and darkness with minimal information from the crew. During this time, individuals suffered panic attacks, medical emergencies, and severe distress, with some passengers opening windows and encountering smoke. The lack of communication and dire conditions underscored the urgent need for accountability and reform in public transit systems.

"It is absolutely unacceptable what rail commuters endured on Wednesday evening. Stranded in an underground tunnel with no air conditioning for three hours, subjected to stifling heat and darkness, and given almost no information-this is a complete failure of our public transit system. Passengers experienced panic attacks, medical emergencies, and severe distress. While NJ Transit's mishandling of communication with passengers on board is evident, Amtrak's failure to maintain power in the tunnels and to promptly send the correct rescue train is equally to blame," said Pallone.

"This incident highlights the urgent need for better communication with passengers and increased accountability from both NJ Transit and Amtrak. The ongoing issues plaguing these agencies are exacerbating a public transit doom spiral that threatens to drive even more riders away. We need immediate and effective action to ensure such a debacle never happens again. The safety and well-being of passengers must always come first. We should be encouraging more people to use public transit, not less, and that starts with reliable, safe, and transparent service," Pallone continued.

For months, Pallone has been actively working to address ongoing issues with Amtrak service. He has sent letters requesting answers, urged the prioritization of federal funds for improvements, raised concerns about continued disruptions, and called for immediate actions and progress reports. Additionally, Pallone has held discussions with Amtrak's CEO and collaborated with other New Jersey House Democrats to advocate for federal intervention and funding for critical infrastructure repairs.