Penn Station services suspended after fire. Photo: ca_wonder / Shutterstock.com NYC Emergency Management has last night, May 14, 2,206, issued an urgent commuter advisory regarding Penn Station,
Service at the station remains suspended while "Amtrak crews continue repair work following a fire near the terminal on Thursday", causing major disruption for thousands of commuters across New York City.
Most trains on Thursday evening were diverted to and from Grand Central Terminal, with riders warned to expect crowding, longer travel times, and significant changes to normal service patterns.
Transit officials also cautioned that impacts could continue into Friday morning’s rush hour, with additional delays, reroutes, and cancellations possible.
"Commuters who normally travel through Penn Station should check their train status before leaving, monitor official service updates, and allow extra travel time," advised NYC's emergency management service.
As the busiest transportation facility in the Western Hemisphere, Penn Station handles more than 600,000 passengers daily and serves as the primary New York City hub for Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The station is a critical gateway linking Manhattan’s West Side with the wider Northeast region.
The MTA has also warned about a possible major disruption to Long Island Rail Road service starting on Saturday, May 16, which would also affect the commute to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The possible LIRR strike, organized by five unions, "would have a devastating impact on the nearly 300,000 passengers who depend on the LIRR to get where they need to go every single day," warned the MTA.
The MTA has announced it will provide limited shuttle bus service on weekdays for essential workers and those who cannot telecommute, as well as "accessible travel options at LIRR and Queens stations."
Plus, Customer Ambassadors will be assigned to each location to assist people with disabilities.
More updates are available through the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) official website.