Power troubles forced Amtrak and regional transit agencies to stop train service throughout the northeastern United States for more than one hour on Tuesday during the height of the morning rush, stranding travelers for the second time this month. Amtrak said low-voltage troubles forced it to suspend north-south service between New York City and Washington, and east-west service between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The exact cause of the problem was not immediately known. Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole noted there were no storms in the area, which can sometimes cause power problems, and he said workers were attempting to determine what happened. The electrical troubles also forced New Jersey Transit, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, and Maryland Transit Administration to stop their trains. The shutdown halted the ride to work for commuters for the second time this month. On August 11, a fallen tree knocked out power and rails signals, delaying east-coast trains for up to two hours.
