Amtrak commuters in Connecticut encountered delays all day Wednesday after a deadly derailment in Philadelphia stalled service along part of the Northeast Corridor.
Trains have been suspended between Philadelphia and New York, creating residual delays on other lines. Commuters at New Haven's Union Station said they encountered problems no matter how early they arrived to catch their trains.
"I got here and I looked at the screen and it said I was an hour and a half delayed. I'm going, actually, up to Windsor Locks and I had a cab ready, so I had to call and push back my cab service and everything. I hope I don't miss my flight home," said Brett Rutherford, who was trying to make it home to Pittsburgh.
Amtrak notified customers that there would be delays and said passengers could contact the railroad to make changes to their travel plans.
"I might be late for my flight. I hope they will compensate me," said Bevolyn Durrant, who was also waiting for the train.
Rail advocate and founder of the Commuter Action Group Jim Cameron said news of the deadly derailment reiterates the need for safety and investment in the nation's railroads.
"It is disconcerting to hear of a derailment on the busiest section of the Northeast Corridor, and what we would assume would be the best maintained," said Cameron.
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Cameron also said, however, that while the derailment in Philadelphia is tragic, it's important for train passengers to put things in perspective.
"If you consider the fact that Amtrak carries over 30 million passengers every year, derailments are rare," said Cameron.
