Trains in Northeast return to normal after power problems stranded holiday travelers for hours

Northeast trains on schedule after power problems

NEWARK, N.J. — Amtrak trains on the East Coast are running on schedule or close to it after an electrical problem outside New York City stopped service up and down the East Coast for three hours.

Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole says delays have decreased for trains operating between Boston and Washington.

A low-voltage reading originating in northern New Jersey prompted Amtrak to stop trains at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Service was restored at about 11:30 a.m., with residual delays.

Amtrak was investigating what caused the low voltage reading.

Thousands of passengers were stranded in stations and on trains.

Cole said trains can continue running at low voltage but are routinely moved to the nearest station to avoid the possibility of a larger power failure.