Cab cars on Both Ends

I have noticed that on a few trains, NJT has been running a cab car on both ends, with the locomotive sandwiched between the 1st and 2nd cars. Is this due to the controls in the locomotive not working or related to PTC readiness? I have seen both electric and diesels operate this way recently, particularly on the NEC and Pascack Valley line.

locomotive not having working PTC.

News12NJ had a report on this the other day. People were upset that the first car, in front of the locomotive, was locked and they couldn't ride in it and the train was crowded as usual. The news explained that safety rules prohibited passengers in a car leading a locomotive, and that the PTC was not yet installed in the loco. At least an attempt was made to explain the situation.

But what about push-pull? someone asked. Always a troublemaker.

I posted a pic of this in the "PTC" thread:

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I've been on several trains with this configuration. Both eastbound and westbound on the NEC.