Riders of the diminutive Princeton shuttle train, affectionately called the Dinky, had their patience tested when rail service was suspended nine times in the last two weeks.

Shuttle train service was suspended on nine occasions between Nov. 24 and Dec. 3 because of mechanical problems with the aging trains used on the Dinky, according to NJ Transit alerts.

The most recent problem was an almost four-day service suspension that started at 12:56 a.m. on Nov. 30 and lasted until 3:11 a.m. on Dec. 3, according to NJ Transit alerts.

Buses replaced the train for the duration.

The problem is with the aging Arrow III electric-powered trains used on the Dinky. They were built in 1977 and overhauled in the 1990s and are feeling their age.

“There have been mechanical issues recently with the Arr

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