Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYC-Bound Train Takes Wrong Turn, Ends Up In Philly Suburbs
By
Lauren Evans
Published Nov 20, 2013
Modified Nov 20, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Lauren Evans
Published Nov 20, 2013
Modified Nov 20, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
An Amtrak train bound for New York City last Thursday took a wrong turn, carrying its unwitting passengers on a backwoods tour through the wilds of suburban Philadelphia instead.
A keystone train carrying 130 passengers departed Philadelphia's 30th Street Station around 11:45 a.m., the expectation being that it was heading toward NYC. But apparently the conductor missed a signal (it's hard to see them all), and wound up leaving Amtrak-operated rails altogether, going rogue and eventually landing at the scenic Bala Cynwyd station, serviced by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
According to the AP, the kindly folks down in Bala Cynwyd directed the crew back in the direction of Philly-proper, where everyone disembarked and tried it again on a different train.
An Amtrak spokesperson told the Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription required) that the train's crew won't be handling anymore trips until they've undergone additional training, which we imagine entails someone turning the map right side up.
Tagged
amtrak
fun with directions
philadelphia
Lauren Evans
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
8 people charged in $7M SNAP benefit fraud scheme
The scam impacted thousands of people, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. ET
California man was shot by a NJ detective in Moonachie, officials say
Roberto Castro-Quinonez of Bakersfield, California was shot by police in Bergen County on Wednesday, according to the New Jersey attorney general's office.
By
Kaya Laterman
News
California man was shot by a NJ detective in Moonachie, officials say
Roberto Castro-Quinonez of Bakersfield, California was shot by police in Bergen County on Wednesday, according to the New Jersey attorney general's office.
By
Kaya Laterman
The NYPD is confiscating e-bikes along a clogged East Village street
By
Willow Higgins
New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will get more money for fresh produce next year
By
Giulia Heyward
'You can't even look out the window': Asbestos dust coats Brooklyn NYCHA building walls
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .