NEWARK — Weekend commuters got a sample of the recent delays daily NJ Transit riders have experienced in recent weeks on Sunday.

Amtrak maintenance on the portal bridge and switching problems combined to create 60 minute delays on service between Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station, according to NJ Transit.

As a result of the delays NJ Transit cross honored tickets system wide including private carrier buses and on PATH.

Amtrak spokesman Mike Tolbert said westbound traffic between New York and New Jersey had delays and the issue has been cleared. Tolbert expected the delay to clear up soon.

The issue of delays and maintenance got attention from New Jersey politicians during a press conference at Newark Penn Station on Wednesday when Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Cory Booker invited Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to see the deteriorating infrastructure of the Northeast Corridor. “We are long past a state of crisis and New Jersey residents are feeling it just about every day," Booker said.

During Thursday's Ask the Governor program Christie said no payment to Amtrak from NJ Transit for use of tracks and facilities has yet been withheld but a payment is due in May. “I don’t want to be in a circumstance where I’m withholding payments. I understand that that’s a very, very aggressive maneuver. But I need to get their attention. I will tell you, I believe we’ve now gotten their attention,” Christie said.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

More from WOBM

More From 92.7 WOBM