Summit Commuters Stranded for Hours on Disabled NJ Transit Train

A Morris & Essex Line train bound for Dover left New York Penn Station at 4:14 p.m. on September 16, 2026, and never reached its destination. Train No. 6641 lost power at approximately 4:35 p.m. in Kearny, leaving approximately 87 minutes of delay and stranding passengers without air conditioning in sweltering conditions.

The train was scheduled to reach Newark Broad Street at 4:33 p.m. but did not arrive until approximately 6 p.m. Riders aboard the train described temperatures of at least 90 degrees inside the cars. Passengers were not permitted to open the doors or windows while the train was immobilized, according to accounts posted to the Summit NJ Happenings Facebook group.

"We were stuck for almost two hours with no AC, and it had to be at least 90 degrees inside," one passenger wrote. "It was a nightmare. Fares keep going up, but it's hard to see any real improvement in service."

Another passenger noted the personal impact of the delay. "NJ Transit stranded us for two hours with no power or air conditioning — totally unsafe conditions for passengers, including the pregnant woman next to me."

One rider said he nearly missed back-to-school night despite having left work two hours early to make his commute home.

When the train arrived at Newark Broad Street, police went aboard to check on passengers. Emergency medical personnel were sent as a precaution. One passenger reported feeling faint but did not lose consciousness and declined medical attention.

A rescue engine was dispatched to address the mechanical failure. NJ Transit told TAPinto Summit: "We understand the impact that even one service disruption causes our customers, and we apologize for the inconvenience experienced during this mechanical issue."

New Jersey Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy, whose district includes Summit and who commutes to New York City on NJ Transit with his wife, called the situation unacceptable. "The performance of the last few weeks has been incredibly frustrating and is unacceptable," Macurdy said. He is pressing NJ Transit to accelerate the introduction of replacement rail cars and ensure critical spare parts are readily available.

NJ Transit reported on-time rates of 89.3% in June, 84.1% in July, and 89.2% in August for the Morris & Essex Line, excluding delays attributed to Amtrak. The agency attributed some of those delays to extreme weather, including downed trees and record-breaking heat. The September-to-date on-time rate stood at 92% as of the report.

NJ Transit has 374 new multilevel rail cars on order. The agency says the first of those cars are expected to begin carrying passengers in the coming months and that it is on pace to have a fully updated fleet by 2031.

FAQ

Q: What happened on NJ Transit's Morris & Essex Line on September 16?

A: Train No. 6641, bound for Dover, lost power at approximately 4:35 p.m. in Kearny while carrying passengers. The train became immobilized without air conditioning, leaving passengers stranded for nearly two hours before arriving at Newark Broad Street Station approximately 87 minutes late.

Q: What time did the train leave New York Penn Station?

A: The train left New York Penn Station at 4:14 p.m. on September 16, 2026.

Q: Where did the power loss occur?

A: The train lost power in Kearny at approximately 4:35 p.m.

Q: How long were passengers stranded?

A: Passengers were stranded for nearly two hours (approximately 85 minutes) without power or air conditioning before the train arrived at Newark Broad Street Station.

Q: What were the conditions inside the train?

A: Passengers reported temperatures of at least 90 degrees inside the cars. Passengers were not permitted to open the doors or windows while the train was immobilized.

Q: How late did the train arrive?

A: The train arrived at Newark Broad Street Station at approximately 6 p.m., 87 minutes after its scheduled 4:33 p.m. arrival time.

Q: What emergency response occurred?

A: Police boarded the train when it arrived at Newark Broad Street. Emergency medical personnel were sent to the station as a precaution. One passenger reported feeling faint but declined medical attention.

Q: What did NJ Transit say about the incident?

A: NJ Transit stated: "We understand the impact that even one service disruption causes our customers, and we apologize for the inconvenience experienced during this mechanical issue."

Q: What did Assemblyman Macurdy say?

A: Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy, whose district includes Summit, called the situation "unacceptable" and said the performance of recent weeks has been "incredibly frustrating." He is pressing NJ Transit to accelerate the introduction of replacement rail cars and ensure critical spare parts are readily available.

Q: What are NJ Transit's on-time performance rates?

A: For the Morris & Essex Line (excluding Amtrak-attributed delays): June 89.3%, July 84.1%, August 89.2%, and September-to-date 92% as of the report.

Q: Does NJ Transit have plans to replace older trains?

A: Yes. NJ Transit has 374 new multilevel rail cars on order. The agency expects the first cars to begin service in the coming months, with a target of a fully updated fleet by 2031.

Q: How did this delay affect commuters?

A: Passengers reported significant personal impacts, including one rider who nearly missed back-to-school night despite leaving work two hours early. Passengers described the experience as unsafe, particularly for a pregnant passenger mentioned in one account.

Q: Why did the train lose power?

A: The cause was described as a mechanical issue. A rescue engine was dispatched to address the failure.