NEW HAVEN -- Crucial transportation routes into New York City were closed early Monday after a backpack containing up to five devices was found in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The backpack was found about 500 feet from a train trestle, and rail line service has been disrupted due to police activity.
NJ Transit said that its Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coastline rail service had been suspended, and it urged customers to find alternative means of transportation.
Amtrak, which ferries train passengers up and down the Eastern seaboard, also suspended service in Elizabeth. Amtrak said it was bringing trains into stations and allowing customers to disembark and seek alternative transportation.
The train operator said its Acela Express and Northeast Regional services would operate on a modified schedule Monday. It said passengers should be prepared for the possibility of additional cancellations and delays throughout the day.
Elizabeth Station is located just south of Newark Liberty International Airport, and the NJ Transit and Amtrak trains that run through it carry many tens of thousands of travelers and commuters bound for Manhattan each day.
The discover of the devices in Elizabeth came after an explosion shook New York's Chelsea neighborhood on Saturday, injuring 29 people.
The subway stations nearest the blast -- the 23rd Street and 28th Street stops -- were both open and working on Monday morning, according to New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Wall Street traders seem relatively unfazed over the explosion, with futures trading indicating a positive start to the day for U.S. markets.
Fear, shock and concern are crossing state borders, as many travelers in Connecticut said the explosions in New York and New Jersey hit too close to home.
Union Station is one of the busiest commuter lines in the country and whether it is for business or fun, it’s a nerve-wracking time to travel.
Uniformed officers can be seen at the station and earlier Sunday, a K-9 was walking the premises.
Despite seeing security, travelers stress the “see something, say something,” mentality.
“If I saw something I wouldn't let that go because you never know what could be there,” Wallingford resident Mary Baker said.
Baker saying the recent events are “too close for comfort."
Returning from Stratford's Oktoberfest, she said she isn’t letting the horror in NYC, keep her from going to big events.
“You can`t live your life in fear," she said. "You can`t be like held back by like what`s going on in the world.”
“I have never felt a great deal of fear doing public transportation so I don`t think it's gonna change my travel plans much,” traveler Stephen Jahn said.
Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara saying we should use these horrible events as reminders how important it is to work together.
“It's important as you go about your day to make that conscious effort to really look for those little things that are out-of-place or little things that raise your concern and if something raises your concern just tell somebody and let us take it from there,” he said. “It's a combined effort, together with law enforcement, with the community that`s gonna keep us all safe.”
Connecticut State Police released the following statement:
“Connecticut State Troopers continue to remain vigilant while on patrol. Troopers remind residents that it's not only if they see something, but if they see something, hear something or know something report it to police immediately. Call 911, text TIP711 with the information to 274637 or call the Homeland Security tip line at 1-866-HLS-TIPS.”
CNN contributed to this report.
