Overview
- Sweltering temperatures on Thursday triggered equipment failures across multiple NJ Transit lines, producing delays of up to 60–90 minutes and selective train cancellations that snarled the evening rush.
- Overhead wire sag and other electrical problems temporarily stopped trains, and a rescue train towed about 300 customers from Harrison to Hoboken after a disabled train was stranded on the line.
- Interior temperatures at New York Penn Station reached 148 degrees, passengers reported loss of air conditioning, and a fire with visible smoke was reported at Hoboken Terminal after 5 p.m.
- The century-old Hackensack Drawbridge stuck open for 25 minutes, and NJ Transit halted further bridge openings for the remainder of the commute while cross-honoring rail tickets on buses, PATH and NY Waterway ferries.
- Amtrak warned of reduced speeds and possible delays through July 4 and transit officials urged riders to avoid non-essential travel as the heat wave exposes strain on aging regional rail infrastructure.