New Jersey commuters faced significant delays Wednesday morning after a multi-bus collision blocked access to the Port Authority bus terminal for several hours during the rush hour. The incident, which involved three NJ Transit buses, occurred near West 41st Street at approximately 6:05 a.m. As a result, NJ Transit temporarily suspended its service in and out of New York, prompting commuters to seek alternative transportation options.
By around 10 a.m., service to the Port Authority was restored, although NJ Transit cautioned that delays of up to an hour might still be expected. The Port Authority police reported that no one sustained life-threatening injuries, although ten individuals received minor injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals, with one person suffering a serious injury.
During the disruption, the Port Authority remained open despite earlier confusion regarding its status. NJ Transit encouraged commuters to utilize alternative routes, including commuter rail, PATH trains, or ferries. NJ Transit also allowed cross-honoring on its rail lines and on New York Waterway service at Port Imperial, Newark Penn Station, and 33rd Street in New York.
Passengers at the terminal expressed frustration over the delays and service alterations. Zynasia Coop, waiting for a bus, shared her hope that services would resume quickly. Another commuter, Saida Major, faced delays while opting for the light rail from Weehawken, illustrating the widespread impact of the situation on those traveling from New Jersey.
In addition to the bus incident, NJ Transit warned of 20-minute delays in and out of Penn Station due to a prior disabled train, compounding the difficulties for travelers. The approach to the Lincoln Tunnel also experienced significant congestion.
This incident highlights the importance of effective communication and alternative transport options during unexpected disruptions. Looking forward, there is hope that such proactive measures will minimize the impact of similar incidents in the future and help commuters reach their destinations more smoothly.